Five Domino’s Pizza outlets operating across Maharashtra bore the brunt of the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the food safety regulator stumbled upon grave hygiene lapses there, such as the presence of live cockroaches and remains of dead cockroaches in food storage and preparation areas, officials reported on Thursday.

Notably, earlier this week, the FDA had conducted inspections of more than 50 Domino’s outlets across the Pune division. The FDA officials identified numerous violations pertaining to food preparation, handling, storage and sanitation, which raised concerns over compliance with food safety standards.

The outlets which faced the suspension are located in Pune’s Warje, Hingne Khurd and Chakan localities, while two others are located in Rajarampuri and A Ward in Kolhapur. The FDA directed to suspend the licenses on October 14 and 15 respectively. All the said outlets are operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, which runs the Domino’s Pizza business in India.

Cockroaches, poor storage conditions reported during inspections

During the course of the inspection drive, the state’s food safety regulator reportedly found cockroaches and dead remains of insects in areas used for storing and preparing food. The department also flagged inadequate hygiene, poor sanitation and improper storage practices.

The other irregularities which came to the fore during the inspection were the absence of appropriate equipment for handling vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes separately, incomplete temperature records and foul odours in dining areas. Officials further noted that food distribution staff lacked prescribed identification documents, raising more concerns about compliance with operational requirements.

In a major lapse, the delivery boxes mounted on the bikes meant for deliveries were found left open along roadsides. Food waste had also accumulated in the areas where pizza bases were handled, as per the findings of the inspection. The string of violations prompted the FDA to suspend the licenses of all the five outlets as part of its efforts to enforce food safety norms.

Cockroaches discovered at Domino's outlets in Maharashtra

Food safety inspections ramped up across Maharashtra

The action against the Domino’s outlets is part of a wider crackdown on food safety violations across Maharashtra under the supervision of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Officials said the department has ramped up inspections of food businesses in recent weeks, targeting establishments suspected of failing to maintain required hygiene and safety standards.

As per the information provided by the FDA, officials seized almost a hundred kilograms of stale and spoiled edibles, identified several violations and ordered the shutdown of multiple establishments. Notices have been issued, besides licenses being cancelled in cases involving a range of businesses, from canteens to five-star hotels and upscale clubs.