4 Domino's outlets sealed in Maharashtra over food safety violations after FDA raids

Three of the affected Domino’s outlets are located in Mumbai, while the fourth is in Satara district. The inspections were carried out on August 11 as part of a statewide drive targeting establishments operated by major restaurant chains.

The FDA inspected a total of 104 establishments belonging to brands including Domino’s Pizza, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks and Monginis. During the drive, operations at two establishments were halted immediately, while 95 improvement notices were issued and five food business.

What Happened

The FDA flagged deficiencies related to the display of the FSSAI licence, potable water testing, food storage, pest control and hygiene facilities. The outlet was also directed to ensure proper temperature storage and monitoring of frozen and other food products.

• In Mumbai, the licence of the Domino’s outlet operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd at Vile Parle West was suspended after inspectors found violations of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and.

• Another Domino’s outlet in Borivali West was also found non-compliant, with the inspection report assigning it a 54 per cent compliance score.

• The Satara outlet, on the other hand, was found to have a compliance score of 47 per cent.

Key Details

Inspectors also found issues with the segregation and disposal of food and non-food items. Repairs were required to the kitchen back door, flooring and chilling room, while measures were ordered to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.

• 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 directed the establishment to keep its food business operations suspended until further instructions.

• Officials further flagged poor waste management and shortcomings in the personal hygiene of food handlers, including inadequate medical examination and health records and insufficient personal protective equipment.

Why It Matters

The FDA further directed the outlet to provide adequate facilities for food preparation, equipment sanitisation and hand-washing and hygiene for food handlers. The FDA cited deficiencies involving food storage, temperature monitoring, food testing, hygiene and pest control.

• The store was also not properly following FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) systems for food storage.

• The inspection also found inadequate pest- and rodent-control measures, expired food products and damaged or apparently tampered-with packages.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge