Maharashtra FDA Suspends Domino's Pizza Licences Over Food Safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra suspended the operational licenses of multiple Domino's Pizza outlets in Mumbai, Pune, and Sangli. This decision followed a series of surprise inspections that uncovered significant violations of hygiene and food safety standards. Specifically, three outlets in Mumbai were shunted after inspectors found lapses in kitchen cleanliness and ingredient storage. The move is part of a wider statewide crackdown where the FDA inspected over 100 restaurant brands to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act.

During the broader enforcement drive, the FDA targeted 104 different restaurant brands across the state. In Pune and Sangli alone, licenses for 12 food establishments were suspended, and authorities seized stock valued at approximately ₹41.36 lakh. The inspections focused on various parameters, including the source of raw materials, water quality, and the health certification of staff. Officials stated that several popular eateries failed to maintain the basic sanitary conditions required for commercial food preparation, prompting immediate administrative action to protect public health.

The suspension of licenses for a major international chain like Domino's serves as a critical signal to the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry in India. Consumers are increasingly sensitive to food safety standards, and such regulatory actions can lead to temporary closures and reputational damage. The FDA has clarified that the affected outlets cannot resume operations until they rectify all identified deficiencies and pass a follow-up inspection. For the average resident, this development emphasizes the state's proactive stance in monitoring food quality at both local eateries and global franchises.