Hygiene lapses, pest risks: 4 Mumbai Domino's outlets shut after major violations

In the latest operation as part of its crackdown, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of four Domino’s Pizza outlets and one Pizza Hut outlet after a statewide inspection drive found serious food safety and hygiene violations. The development has triggered fresh concern over standards at major food chains across Maharashtra.On the ground in Mumbai, India Today’s Mustafa Shaikh visited one of the Domino’s outlets shortly after the FDA action. Many customers said they were surprised by the action against a well-known international brand and were closely following developments.The four suspended Domino’s outlets are located in Vile Parle West, Borivali West and R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West in Mumbai, and in Malkapur near Karad in Satara district.All four outlets are operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. The Pizza Hut outlet in Karad, run by Sapphire Foods India Ltd., was also ordered to suspend operations. According to FDA officials, the inspections were carried out on August 11 under the state government’s "Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra" campaign.A total of 104 establishments belonging to brands such as Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks and Monginis were inspected. Two establishments were shut immediately, 95 were issued improvement notices and five had their licences suspended with immediate effect.The FDA team had found violations relating to hygiene, food storage, pest control and record maintenance, and that officials had directed the outlets to rectify deficiencies before seeking restoration of their licences.At the Vile Parle West outlet, inspectors reported shortcomings in potable water testing, food storage and hygiene facilities.They also found inadequate temperature monitoring of frozen food products and identified entry points that could allow rodents and pests into the premises.The outlet was directed to undertake repairs and improve food-handling facilities.The Borivali West outlet received a compliance score of only 54 per cent. Inspectors found inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food, oily residue and food scraps on pizza-preparation surfaces, and gaps in pest-control measures. Improvements in cleanliness, sanitation and storage practices were ordered.The Ghatkopar outlet at R-City Mall was found to have no documented cleaning and sanitation schedule, missing food-grade certification records for materials that come into contact with food, and no records of medical examinations or vaccination of food handlers. Pest-control measures were also found inadequate.In Satara district, the Malkapur outlet recorded a compliance score of 47 per cent.The FDA cited deficiencies in infrastructure, equipment maintenance, cleanliness and pest control and directed the outlet to improve storage systems for raw food items and maintain laboratory testing records.The Pizza Hut outlet in Karad was found to be using common ovens and baking trays for vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas. Inspectors also found sauce bottles and condiment packets without packing or expiry dates.The crackdown comes days after the FDA suspended the licence of a Blinkit facility in Mumbai’s Malad West over alleged cockroach infestation and improper food storage.FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the ongoing enforcement drive was aimed at ensuring that consumers were not exposed to unsafe food.Officials clarified that suspension does not necessarily mean permanent closure. Establishments can apply for restoration of their licences after correcting deficiencies and undergoing verification.Fresh inspections and compliance hearings are expected in the coming weeks as the FDA continues its statewide food-safety drive.- EndsPublished On: Aug 13, 2026 16:49 IST