Maharashtra FDA action on Pizza Hut outlets at Karad and Akola (Aug 2026)

Pizza Hut was one of the chains caught in the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's August 2026 drive through chain restaurants. Under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe the FDA inspected 104 chain outlets across the state between 11 and 14 Aug 2026 and suspended five licences.

Pune Pulse reported on 13 Aug 2026 that two Pizza Hut outlets operated by Sapphire Foods, at Karad in Satara district and at Akola, had their licences suspended. At Akola inspectors seized about 55 kg of frozen paneer, valued at roughly Rs 17,600, for improper labelling and poor quality. Findings recorded across the pizza outlets in the drive included insects in food preparation areas, missing water-testing records, no first-in-first-out stock system, no separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian ovens, and products without expiry dates.

The Free Press Journal's list of 16 establishments acted against by the FDA's Pune division, published 14 Aug 2026, includes Pizza Hut at Karad alongside Domino's at Karad, Blinkit and Zepto facilities and several hotels. The Akola action falls under a different division and is recorded only in the Pune Pulse report; a second source is being sought.

A licence suspension stops the premises operating until the FDA accepts that the problems are fixed. It is not a ban on the brand and no recall followed. Sapphire Foods' response and the reopening dates are not recorded here.