Maharashtra FDA Suspends Domino’s Licences
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of three Domino’s Pizza outlets in Mumbai after inspections found multiple food safety and hygiene violations.
The affected outlets are located in Vile Parle West, Borivali West and R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West. A fourth Domino’s outlet in Malkapur, Satara, also had its licence suspended.
The action was taken during a special inspection drive covering major restaurant chains across Maharashtra.
Serious Hygiene Lapses Found
FDA inspections identified problems related to food storage, pest control, sanitation, temperature monitoring, food testing and maintenance of food safety records.
At the Vile Parle outlet, officials found deficiencies involving potable water, food storage, pest-control arrangements and hygiene facilities. The outlet was also directed to improve temperature monitoring of frozen food and ensure proper segregation of food and non-food items.
The FDA also ordered improvements to kitchen infrastructure, food preparation areas and hand-washing facilities.
Borivali Outlet Had Major Compliance Issues
The Borivali West outlet was also found to have significant shortcomings.
The inspection identified problems with food storage, temperature monitoring, food testing, cleanliness and pest control. Authorities also directed the outlet to improve the segregation of raw and cooked food as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
The FDA further ordered the restaurant to improve cleaning and sanitisation of equipment and utensils and strengthen pest-control measures.
Ghatkopar Outlet Failed Several Food Safety Requirements
The Domino’s outlet at R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West was found to have deficiencies in cleanliness, sanitation and pest control.
Inspectors also found that proper FIFO and FEFO practices were not being followed for food storage. These systems are designed to ensure that older and soon-to-expire food products are used first.
The outlet also lacked certain food-grade certificates and records relating to equipment calibration, preventive maintenance and food and water testing.
Fourth Domino’s Outlet Also Suspended
The FDA also suspended the licence of a Domino’s outlet in Malkapur, Satara district.
That outlet was found to have several non-compliances involving basic facilities, equipment, cleanliness and pest control.
The action against the four Domino’s outlets comes as part of a wider food-safety enforcement campaign across Maharashtra.
104 Restaurant Establishments Inspected
The FDA’s special inspection drive covered 104 establishments belonging to major restaurant chains, including Domino’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks and Monginis.
During the inspections, operations at two establishments were ordered to stop immediately, while 95 improvement notices were issued.
The food business licences of five establishments were suspended with immediate effect.
The FDA said inspections and enforcement action will continue against food businesses that fail to comply with food safety and hygiene requirements.
Domino’s Outlets Must Correct Violations
The licence suspensions are linked to the identified violations and do not necessarily mean that the outlets are permanently shut.
The affected establishments will need to address the deficiencies and meet the required food safety and hygiene standards before their licences can be restored.
The action highlights the increasing scrutiny being placed on large restaurant chains in Maharashtra as food safety authorities intensify inspections.
Summary
The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of three Domino’s Pizza outlets in Mumbai after inspections found violations involving hygiene, food storage, pest control, sanitation and food safety records. The affected outlets are in Vile Parle West, Borivali West and Ghatkopar West. A fourth Domino’s outlet in Malkapur, Satara, was also suspended. The statewide drive inspected 104 restaurant establishments and resulted in 95 improvement notices.
