The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of four Domino’s Pizza outlets after uncovering several food safety and hygiene violations during a special inspection campaign across the state.
Three of the affected outlets are in Mumbai, while the fourth is located in Satara district. The inspections were conducted on August 11 as part of a statewide drive focused on outlets run by major restaurant chains.
The FDA inspected 104 establishments operated by brands such as Domino’s Pizza, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks and Monginis. The drive resulted in the immediate closure of two establishments, the issuance of 95 improvement notices and the suspension of five food business licences with immediate effect.
In Mumbai, the licence of a Domino’s outlet operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd in Vile Parle West was suspended after inspectors identified violations of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
The FDA identified shortcomings concerning the display of the FSSAI licence, potable water testing, food storage, pest control and hygiene facilities. The outlet was also instructed to maintain and monitor appropriate storage temperatures for frozen and other food products.
Inspectors found improper segregation and disposal of food and non-food materials. The kitchen’s back door, flooring and chilling room were also found to require repairs, while steps were ordered to prevent rodents and other pests from entering the premises.
The FDA additionally instructed the outlet to ensure sufficient facilities for food preparation, equipment sanitisation, hand-washing and maintaining hygiene among food handlers.
Another Domino’s outlet in Borivali West was also found to be non-compliant, recording a compliance score of 54 per cent. The FDA pointed to shortcomings in food storage, temperature monitoring, food testing, hygiene and pest control.
The outlet was instructed to maintain appropriate separation between raw and cooked food and between vegetarian and non-vegetarian products. Raw materials were also required to be kept separately from non-food items.
Inspectors noted inadequate cleaning and sanitisation of equipment and utensils, while oily residue and food waste in the pizza preparation area were ordered to be cleared immediately. The FDA also directed improvements to the flooring, lighting and overall cleanliness, along with stronger pest-control measures.
The third Domino’s outlet in Mumbai, situated at R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West, also had its food licence suspended.
According to the FDA, the establishment lacked adequate hygiene and sanitation facilities and had failed to maintain a proper cleaning and sanitation schedule. Inspectors also found evidence of pest infestation along with insufficient pest-control measures and records.
The Domino’s outlet in Satara recorded a compliance score of 47 per cent.
The FDA identified shortcomings involving infrastructure, equipment, cleanliness and pest control. The outlet was instructed to install suitable racks and storage systems for raw food materials and conduct laboratory testing of food products while maintaining the necessary records.
The latest action follows the FDA’s crackdown a day earlier on a Blinkit store in Mumbai’s Malad West, where officials uncovered serious hygiene and food-storage violations.
During an August 7 inspection of the quick-commerce facility, FDA officials reportedly found a large number of cockroaches among fruit and vegetable stock. Food products were allegedly kept directly on the floor, while some storage racks were rusty and the cold-storage facilities were poorly maintained.
The inspection also revealed inadequate pest and rodent-control arrangements, expired food products and damaged or seemingly tampered packages. The facility was also found to be failing to properly follow FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) practices for food storage.
Officials further raised concerns over poor waste management and inadequate personal hygiene among food handlers, including insufficient medical examinations, health records and personal protective equipment.
Following the inspection, the FDA suspended the food licence of Blink Commerce Private Limited under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The order instructed the establishment to keep its food business operations suspended until further directions.
The Blinkit action formed part of a wider food-safety enforcement campaign in Maharashtra. Between May 25 and July 31, the FDA inspected 3,137 hotels, restaurants, eateries and other food establishments across Mumbai, issuing 764 improvement notices and suspending 165 licences. According to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the department also seized or destroyed 28.66 lakh kg of food products worth Rs 55.72 crore.
