Domino’s outlets in Maharashtra face licence suspension over pest, hygiene lapses

Mumbai: Four Domino’s Pizza outlets operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd in Maharashtra have had their food business licences suspended after inspections by the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found multiple alleged violations, including pest-control lapses, poor hygiene, improper food storage and inadequate food-safety records.

Three of the affected outlets are in Mumbai- Vile Parle West, Borivali West and R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West, while the fourth is in Malkapur in Satara district, western Maharashtra. The action was taken as part of a special FDA drive targeting chain restaurants across the state.

What did the FDA find at Domino’s outlets?

At the Vile Parle West Domino’s outlet, FDA officials found deficiencies related to the display of the FSSAI licence, potable water, food storage, pest control and hygiene facilities.

The outlet was directed to ensure proper temperature monitoring of frozen food, segregation of food and non-food items, rodent and pest prevention, and adequate hand-washing and hygiene facilities.

At the Borivali West outlet, the FDA recorded around 15 per cent non-compliance. The authority directed the outlet to take corrective measures relating to food storage, temperature monitoring, food testing, cleanliness and pest control.

Officials also sought proper segregation of raw and cooked food, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The outlet was directed to regularly sanitise its equipment and utensils.

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The Domino’s outlet at R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West was found to have deficiencies in cleanliness, sanitation scheduling and pest-control measures.

The FDA also found that the outlet was not properly following FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) practices. Deficiencies were also reported in temperature control for food storage.

The authority further flagged the absence of food-grade certificates and records relating to calibration, preventive maintenance, food and water testing and food safety.

Malkapur outlet recorded 40% non-compliance

The fourth Domino’s outlet, operated by Jubilant FoodWorks at Malkapur in Satara district, was found to have around 40 per cent non-compliance, according to the FDA.

The inspection identified deficiencies in basic facilities, equipment, cleanliness and pest control. Its food business licence was also suspended.

The FDA said the action was taken under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

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FDA crackdown covered 104 chain restaurant outlets

The action against Domino’s was part of a larger special drive in which the Maharashtra FDA inspected 104 establishments operated by food chains across the state.

The inspection drive covered brands including Domino’s Pizza, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks and Monginis.

According to the FDA, two establishments were ordered to stop business, 95 were served improvement notices and the food business licences of five establishments were suspended.

Apart from Domino’s, the FDA also took action against outlets operated by Sapphire Foods India.

The licences of a Sapphire Foods India outlet in Karad and another establishment in Karad, Satara district, were suspended. The FDA prescribed corrective measures for pizza preparation, including the use of separate ovens and proper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas.

The establishments were also directed to use separate pans and ensure appropriate labelling of sauces and pizza toppings with packing and expiry dates.

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In Akola district, the FDA took action against another Sapphire Foods India outlet over the alleged use of frozen paneer and substandard food items.

FDA suspends licences of other food establishments

The enforcement drive also covered other food establishments across Maharashtra.

In Nashik district, the FDA suspended the licences of five establishments — Hotel Sayali Restaurant and Bar in Satpur, Hotel Chhote Miyan on College Road, Mani Mark on Peth Road in Panchavati, Abhishek Bakery and Sweets in CIDCO, and Mohanlal Namkeen in Dindori.

The FDA cited deficiencies relating to cleanliness, food storage, water, equipment and pest control, among other issues.

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In Mumbai, the authority suspended the licences of Mumbai Metro Dhaba in Mulund and Gulshan-Da-Punjabi Dhaba in Bhandup after inspections found shortcomings involving basic facilities, cleanliness, water, ventilation, pest control and food storage.

FDA expands food safety crackdown across Maharashtra

Beyond the chain restaurant inspections, the FDA said it had inspected 120 other hotel establishments in recent days. It issued 54 improvement notices and suspended 11 food business licences during those inspections.

The Maharashtra FDA has intensified its enforcement activity against food safety and hygiene violations since IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe took over as FDA commissioner in May.

The department also conducted raids at 12 locations where milk, dairy products, edible oil and spices were stored or sold. During those operations, the FDA said it seized 5,343 kg of substandard products worth Rs 9,80,990.

In another set of raids targeting banned products, officials searched 15 locations where products including gutka, scented supari and analogue paneer were allegedly stored.

The FDA said police cases were registered against 12 units, while 15 people were arrested. Nine establishments were sealed and stock worth Rs 25.96 lakh was seized during those operations.

With PTI inputs