The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of four Domino’s Pizza outlets and one Pizza Hut outlet in response to severe food safety and hygiene violations discovered during a statewide inspection. This recent action has raised concerns regarding the standards maintained by prominent food chains operating in Maharashtra.

As part of its “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” initiative, the FDA conducted inspections on August 11, where a total of 104 establishments were evaluated. The affected Domino’s outlets are situated in Vile Parle West, Borivali West, R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West, and Malkapur near Karad, Satara district. All of these outlets are under the management of Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd., while the Pizza Hut outlet in Karad, operated by Sapphire Foods India Ltd., was also affected.

During the inspections, two establishments were immediately shut down, and 95 received improvement notices. Five establishments, including the aforementioned outlets, had their licences suspended on the spot. The FDA discovered multiple violations, including issues related to hygiene, food storage, pest control, and inadequacies in record maintenance.

Specific Violations Documented at Each Outlet

At the Vile Parle West Domino’s outlet, inspectors reported significant shortcomings in potable water testing and food storage conditions. They also identified issues with the monitoring of temperature for frozen food products and potential entry points that could permit rodents and pests to enter the premises. As a result, this establishment has been directed to undertake repairs and enhance its food-handling practices.

In Borivali West, the outlet received a concerning compliance score of 54 per cent. Inspectors noted flaws such as insufficient segregation of raw and cooked food, the presence of oily residues and food scraps on preparation surfaces, alongside gaps in pest control measures. Immediate improvements in cleanliness and storage practices have been mandated.

The Ghatkopar outlet at R-City Mall was found lacking in several areas, including a documented cleaning schedule, proper food-grade certification for contact materials, and records of medical examinations for food handlers. Inadequate pest control measures were also flagged during the inspection.

In Satara district, the Malkapur outlet recorded a compliance score of 47 per cent. FDA officials cited major deficiencies in infrastructure and cleanliness and ordered the outlet to enhance storage practices for raw food items and maintain appropriate laboratory testing documentation for food safety.

Consequences and Future Actions by the FDA

The Pizza Hut outlet in Karad was found to be using common ovens and baking trays for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas, in addition to having sauce bottles and condiments without packing or expiry dates. This adds to the growing list of concerns regarding food safety protocols at well-known brands.

This crackdown follows a recent suspension of a Blinkit facility in Mumbai’s Malad West due to an alleged cockroach infestation and improper food storage practices. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe emphasised that the ongoing enforcement actions are designed to prevent consumers from being exposed to unsafe food.

Officials reiterate that a licence suspension does not equate to permanent closure. After addressing the noted deficiencies and undergoing a verification process, affected establishments can apply for the restoration of their licences. Additional inspections and compliance reviews are anticipated in the near future as the FDA continues its statewide food safety initiative.

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