Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of 4 outlets of leading pizza chain over food safety violations
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra food and drug administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of four Domino’s Pizza outlets, including three in Mumbai.The action has been taken for alleged violations of food safety and hygiene norms, officials said on Wednesday.The fourth outlet is located in Satara district of western Maharashtra, the FDA, headed by IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, said in a statement.In Mumbai, action was taken against Domino’s Pizza outlets operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd at Vile Parle West, Borivali West and R-City Mall in Ghatkopar West during a special drive against chain restaurants, news agency PTI reported.The Vile Parle outlet was found to have deficiencies related to the display of its FSSAI licence, potable water, food storage, pest control and hygiene facilities.The FDA directed it to ensure proper temperature monitoring of frozen food, segregation of food and non-food items, rodent and pest prevention, and adequate hand-washing and hygiene facilities.At the Borivali outlet, the FDA found 15% non-compliance and directed corrective measures covering food storage, temperature monitoring, food testing, cleanliness and pest control.It also sought proper segregation of raw and cooked food as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, along with regular sanitisation of equipment and utensils.The Ghatkopar outlet was found deficient in cleanliness, sanitation scheduling and pest control measures.It also failed to follow FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) practices and maintain proper temperature control in food storage, the FDA said.The authority also flagged the absence of food-grade certificates and records relating to calibration, preventive maintenance, food and water testing and food safety.The licence of the Domino’s Pizza outlet operated by Jubilant FoodWorks at Malkapur and two other fast-food outlets operated by Sapphire Foods India at Karad in Satara district were also suspended, the FDA said.The Malkapur outlet was found to have about 40% non-compliance, with deficiencies in basic facilities, equipment, cleanliness and pest control.At the Karad establishments, the FDA prescribed corrective measures for pizza preparation, including separate ovens and proper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas, separate pans, and appropriate labelling of sauces and pizza toppings with packing and expiry dates.The special drive covered 104 chain restaurant establishments across Maharashtra.Two establishments were ordered to stop business, 95 were served improvement notices, and licences of five establishments were suspended, the FDA said.The drive covered brands including Domino’s Pizza, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, Starbucks and Monginis, PTI reported.In Nashik district, the FDA suspended the licences of five food establishments.They included Hotel Sayali Restaurant and Bar in Satpur, Hotel Chhote Miyan on College Road, Mani Mark on Peth Road in Panchavati, Abhishek Bakery and Sweets in CIDCO and Mohanlal Namkeen in Dindori.The FDA cited deficiencies related to cleanliness, food storage, water, equipment and pest control, among others.In Mumbai, the authority also suspended the licences of Mumbai Metro Dhaba in Mulund and Gulshan-Da-Punjabi Dhaba in Bhandup after inspections found shortcomings in basic facilities, cleanliness, water, ventilation, pest control and food storage.Overall, the FDA inspected 120 establishments over the last few days, issued 54 improvement notices and suspended 11 food business licences, it said.The authority has launched a massive crackdown against violations of food safety and hygiene norms at food establishments, including famous hotels and clubs, ever since Mundhe took over as FDA commissioner in May.(With agency inputs)
