Patna: Food safety officials inspected a McDonald’s restaurant and two Domino’s outlets in Patna on Saturday as part of a state-wide drive to ensure food quality, hygiene and compliance with safety standards.
The inspections were conducted under the directions of Food Safety Commissioner Kumar Ravi. Officials examined hygiene, food storage, pest control arrangements and compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
At the two Domino’s outlets, around 160 damaged pizza screens were found and destroyed on-site after being deemed unfit for use. Officials also identified deficiencies in drainage, cleaning practices and record-keeping.
Both McDonald’s and Domino’s outlets were directed to address the shortcomings, with 14-day improvement notices issued. A mustard sauce sample was also collected from the McDonald’s restaurant.
McDonald’s Asked To Improve Hygiene
During an inspection of the McDonald’s Family Restaurant at East Gandhi Maidan, officials found that the storage area was satisfactorily maintained and staff medical certificates were available.
However, the inspection identified an uncovered waste bin and the absence of an antiseptic doormat at the main entrance for pest control. The public menu card also lacked warnings about potential food allergens.
Officials directed the management to rectify the hygiene deficiencies within seven days, keep waste bins covered and strengthen pest control measures.
A 14-day improvement notice was issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The collected mustard sauce sample will be used for food safety assessment.
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Damaged Pizza Screens Destroyed At Two Domino’s Outlets
Inspections were carried out at Domino’s outlets in Ambition Ojha Plaza, Kadamkuan, and Lohia Nagar, Kankarbagh.
Officials found approximately 110 damaged pizza screens at the Lohia Nagar outlet and around 50 at the Kadamkuan outlet. The screens, valued at approximately Rs 32,000, were destroyed on-site under Section 38(4) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The inspections also revealed deficiencies in drainage cleanliness, cutting boards and shelves. Water stagnation was reported, while sauce bottles provided for customer use were not being cleaned properly.
Officials further found that the outlets lacked deep-freezer temperature logbooks and raw material records. Pest control reports did not contain specific dates.
The management was instructed to improve drainage and cleaning, display allergen warnings on menus, maintain temperature records and raw material inventories, and ensure proper documentation of pest control activities.
The outlets were also directed to store vegetarian and non-vegetarian items separately.
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Licence Action Possible For Non-Compliance
Food safety officials have issued 14-day improvement notices to the establishments, requiring them to correct the deficiencies and submit proof of compliance after the notice period.
Failure to comply with the directions may lead to suspension or cancellation of their licences, according to the department.
The Health Department has reiterated that food business operators must maintain hygiene, ensure safe storage, monitor temperatures regularly, keep raw and cooked food separate and implement effective pest control.
Officials said inspections of food establishments would continue, with action to be taken against violations in accordance with food safety rules.
