Indian state shuts some Domino's, Pizza Hut outlets, citing hygiene lapses

The Indian state of Maharashtra has suspended the licenses of four Domino’s pizza outlets and one Pizza Hut store due to hygiene lapses, according to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration. The crackdown comes as part of an intensifying campaign by food regulators to ensure food safety standards are met. The Food and Drug Administration's note, shared with Reuters, revealed that grease residue was found in pizza-making machines at some Domino’s outlets, while insect infestations were reported at others.

Furthermore, the administration noted that several products at one Pizza Hut store lacked expiry dates. Jubilant FoodWorks, which operates Domino’s outlets in India, and Sapphire Foods, a Pizza Hut franchisee, declined to comment on the matter. Both Domino’s Pizza Inc. and Yum Brands, the parent company of Pizza Hut, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This is not the first time India's federal food regulator has taken action against companies for labeling issues, and several food business licenses have been cancelled due to poor hygiene. Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, has seen the new food safety chief, Tukaram Mundhe, conduct numerous raids and shut down popular eateries, earning him a reputation as a social media sensation.

In a single day on Tuesday, Maharashtra food officers inspected more than 100 outlets and issued improvement notices to 95 of them. The administration's strict stance on food quality has been evident, as evidenced by footage showing rust and grease buildup in a Domino’s pizza oven.