Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of Mumbai’s iconic Olympia Coffee House in Colaba after an inspection uncovered multiple food safety and hygiene violations at the 108-year-old establishment.
The inspection was conducted on September 16 following a consumer complaint received under the FDA’s “Safe Food Safe Maharashtra” campaign. Officials reported several concerns involving food storage, preparation, sanitation and staff compliance.
Among the findings reported by the FDA were a urinal in the food storage area, cockroach and fly infestation, meat and blood residue inside a refrigerator, and food being handled directly on the floor. Officials also reported the use of unclean water and inadequate food-preparation and utensil-washing facilities.
FDA Reports Multiple Hygiene Violations
According to the inspection findings, raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was not properly segregated at the premises.
Officials also found damaged wooden chopping boards being used for food preparation, while food handlers were reportedly not wearing the required protective clothing.
The FDA further flagged deficiencies in mandatory compliance documentation, including water-testing reports and sanitation records.
The inspection also identified a major gap in food-safety training. Of the 35 food handlers at the establishment, 34 had reportedly not completed the required food-safety training, according to the inspection findings.
Licence Suspended With Immediate Effect
Following the inspection, the Maharashtra FDA suspended Olympia Coffee House’s food licence under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the applicable food licensing regulations.
During the suspension period, the establishment has been directed to stop the purchase, preparation, storage, sale and distribution of food.
The FDA has stated that further action can be considered after the reported deficiencies are corrected and the premises undergo a satisfactory re-inspection.
This means the suspension is linked to the regulatory inspection findings and is not necessarily a permanent closure of the establishment.
Olympia Coffee House’s Long Mumbai History
The FDA action has drawn particular attention because Olympia Coffee House is one of Mumbai’s longstanding eateries.
Established in 1918, the Colaba establishment has operated for more than a century and has become associated with Mumbai’s traditional cafe culture.
Its heritage status and location in one of South Mumbai’s busiest areas have made it a familiar destination for residents, visitors and tourists.
The restaurant also received renewed attention earlier this year after Hollywood figures including Tom Holland, Matt Damon and Christopher Nolan reportedly visited the establishment during their time in Mumbai.
Action Comes Amid Wider FDA Food Safety Drive
The action against Olympia Coffee House is part of a broader food-safety enforcement campaign by the Maharashtra FDA.
Officials have been conducting inspections of restaurants, hotels, food outlets and other food businesses across Mumbai and Maharashtra, particularly ahead of the festive season.
Several other establishments have also faced licence suspensions following inspections that identified hygiene, food-storage and sanitation deficiencies.
The recent enforcement drive has included inspections of restaurants, hospitals’ canteens, food warehouses and other establishments involved in food preparation or distribution.
Other Mumbai Establishments Face Action
Olympia Coffee House was not the only Mumbai establishment to face regulatory action.
The FDA also suspended the licence of the Nair Hospital canteen after inspectors reported food safety and hygiene violations.
Other establishments in Mumbai, including businesses in Chembur, Ghatkopar, Worli and Malad, have also faced action during the ongoing inspections.
The wider enforcement activity indicates that the regulator is focusing on food handling, sanitation, storage conditions and compliance with mandatory safety requirements.
What Happens to Olympia Coffee House Next?
The immediate future of Olympia Coffee House will depend on whether the establishment addresses the deficiencies identified during the FDA inspection.
The regulatory process requires the reported problems to be rectified before the premises can undergo another inspection.
If the establishment satisfies the required food-safety standards during the re-inspection, the authorities can consider further action regarding the suspended licence.
The case also highlights the importance of maintaining food-safety standards even at long-established restaurants. Heritage status or a long operating history does not remove the requirement to comply with food safety and hygiene regulations.
For Mumbai’s restaurant industry, the latest inspections could also increase attention on staff training, sanitation records, food storage, pest control and safe food-handling practices.
