In an aggressive push to enforce public health mandates, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the operating licences of 11 food establishments across the state, including two outlets of the popular fast-food chain Domino's Pizza.

The regulatory crackdown followed a series of unannounced inspections aimed at reviewing kitchen sanitation, raw ingredient storage, and adherence to statutory food safety protocols under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA).

Unannounced Audits Reveal Systemic Non-Compliance

State food safety officers conducted surprise checks across several districts, scrutinizing restaurants, cloud kitchens, and multinational quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchises. During the inspections, officials documented a wide array of compliance infractions ranging from compromised kitchen hygiene and improper cold storage maintenance to missing staff medical clearances and the absence of mandatory food handler certifications.

Among the establishments penalized were two prominent Domino's Pizza locations, where inspectors noted deficiencies concerning sanitation protocols and standard operating procedures designed to prevent food contamination.

"Public health cannot be compromised for corporate convenience or commercial speed," an FDA official familiar with the drive stated. "When premises fail to satisfy basic sanitation parameters and statutory storage temperatures, corrective enforcement must follow immediately to mitigate health risks to consumers."

Summary of Key Violations

Inspectors identified several recurring failures during the multi-city operation:

* Substandard Storage Conditions: Inadequate temperature regulation inside refrigeration units housing perishable dairy, processed meats, and dough supplies. * Sanitation Deficits: Poor maintenance of food preparation counters, washing stations, and waste disposal bins. * Documentation Shortfalls: Lapses in pest control logs, oil quality records, and periodic water potability testing. * Personnel Hygiene: Absence of mandated medical fitness certificates and protective gear among kitchen staff.

Following these findings, the FDA issued formal suspension orders prohibiting the 11 outlets from preparing, storing, or serving food until all non-conformities are resolved.

Path to Re-licensing and Remediation

Under state regulatory guidelines, suspended food business operators cannot resume commercial operations until they undergo a rigorous rectification process. Affected businesses must submit a detailed compliance report alongside verified proof of remediation.

Upon submission, FDA safety officers will conduct follow-up verifications and re-inspection sweeps. Licences will remain suspended until the agency is satisfied that physical premises, storage standards, and staff training fully comply with national food safety benchmarks.

The Maharashtra FDA has reaffirmed that its surveillance initiatives across commercial eateries, confectioneries, and high-volume dining hubs will intensify over the coming weeks, warning that persistent offenders face permanent cancellation of their operating permits alongside legal prosecution.