Mumbai, September 18 (TNA) The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of Mumbai’s iconic Olympia Coffee House in Colaba after an inspection reportedly found serious hygiene and food-safety violations, including cockroach infestation, meat and blood residue in a refrigerator and a urinal in the food storage area.
The action was taken with immediate effect on September 16 under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and relevant licensing regulations. Until the licence is restored, the establishment cannot purchase, prepare, store, sell or distribute food.
Serious violations found
According to officials, the inspection revealed cockroaches and flies on the premises, unhygienic kitchen and utensil-washing facilities, and food being handled directly on the floor. Inspectors also reported unclean or potentially contaminated water and inadequate separation between raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items.
The presence of a urinal inside or adjacent to the food-storage area was among the violations cited by the FDA. Meat and blood residues were also reportedly found inside a refrigerator, raising concerns about food storage and cross-contamination.
The inspection followed a consumer complaint and formed part of a wider food-safety enforcement drive in Maharashtra. The restaurant will have to rectify the deficiencies and comply with food-safety requirements before applying for restoration of its licence.
Hollywood connection
The action against Olympia Coffee House has drawn attention because the 108-year-old Irani café recently hosted filmmaker Christopher Nolan and actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland, who reportedly visited the Colaba establishment for chai and bun maska during their Mumbai visit.
The café is known for its long history and traditional Irani cuisine, including chai and kheema pav. Its licence suspension has nevertheless underscored the importance of maintaining hygiene standards even at well-known and historic food establishments.
The FDA has not indicated how long the suspension will remain in force. The café can resume food operations only after addressing the violations and securing regulatory approval.