Mumbai’s Iconic Olympia Coffee House Loses Licence After Shocking Hygiene Violations
Mumbai’s iconic Olympia Coffee House in Colaba has had its food licence suspended after a Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection found several serious hygiene and food-safety violations. The action followed a consumer complaint and came during an intensified food-safety drive across Maharashtra.
Urinal Found in Food Storage Area
During the September 16 inspection, FDA officials reportedly found a urinal inside the food storage area of Olympia Coffee House. Inspectors also reported cockroach and fly infestation, unhygienic food preparation and utensil-washing facilities, and food being handled directly on the floor.
Officials also found unclean water being used at the premises. Raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was reportedly not properly segregated, raising concerns about possible cross-contamination.
Meat Residue and Training Issues Found
The inspection also found meat and blood residue inside a refrigerator, along with damaged wooden chopping boards. Food handlers were reportedly not wearing appropriate protective clothing.
The FDA said 34 of the 35 food handlers at the establishment had not undergone mandatory food-safety training. Officials also found that required water-testing reports and sanitation records were unavailable.
Following the inspection, the FDA suspended Olympia Coffee House’s licence with immediate effect. During the suspension, the establishment has been directed to stop purchasing, preparing, storing, selling and distributing food.
The FDA’s action against Olympia was part of a wider crackdown on food-safety violations. According to reports, 27 food establishments were inspected, while licences of 14 establishments across Maharashtra were suspended.
The regulator said further action against Olympia Coffee House will depend on the establishment correcting the reported deficiencies and passing a re-inspection.
The development has drawn attention because Olympia Coffee House is a long-standing Colaba establishment, but the FDA’s action focuses on compliance with food-safety and hygiene requirements rather than the outlet’s popularity or history.
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