Mumbai’s 108-year-old Olympia Coffee House in Colaba has had its food licence suspended by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after an inspection found multiple food safety and hygiene violations. The inspection was conducted on September 16 following a consumer complaint submitted under the FDA’s ‘Safe Food Safe Maharashtra’ campaign.
Officials reported finding a urinal inside the food storage area, cockroaches and flies, meat and blood residues in a refrigerator, food being handled directly on the floor, unclean water and inadequate separation of raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Of the 35 food handlers at the establishment, 34 had reportedly not completed mandatory food safety training. The FDA has ordered Olympia to stop purchasing, preparing, storing, selling or distributing food until the deficiencies are rectified and the premises pass a satisfactory re-inspection.
A Long List Of Food Safety Lapses
The FDA’s inspection identified concerns across several parts of Olympia’s kitchen, storage and food-handling operations. Apart from the urinal located in the food storage area, inspectors found unhygienic food preparation and utensil-washing facilities, damaged wooden chopping boards and food being handled directly on the floor. Cockroach and fly infestations were also reported, while meat and blood residues were found inside a refrigerator. The FDA said raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was not properly segregated, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Food handlers were also not wearing appropriate protective clothing.
The compliance gaps were not limited to the physical premises. According to the FDA, 34 of Olympia’s 35 food handlers had not undergone the mandatory food safety training. Inspectors also found that required water-testing reports and essential sanitation records were unavailable. These findings, taken together, prompted the regulator to suspend the licence under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, read with the relevant food licensing regulations. FDA officials said further action would be considered only after the deficiencies are rectified and the establishment clears re-inspection.
From 1918 Heritage To Regulatory Action
Established in 1918 by Syed Mohammed Merab, Olympia Coffee House has long been associated with Mumbai’s old-world cafe culture. Its Colaba location, traditional fare and heritage character have made it a familiar destination for generations of customers. The establishment received renewed attention in July 2026 when filmmaker Christopher Nolan and actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland visited the cafe during their Mumbai trip for the India premiere of The Odyssey.
The latest action is part of a wider food-safety enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA ahead of the festive season. On September 16, the department inspected 27 hotels, restaurants and dhabas across the state and suspended 14 food licences, according to reports. In Mumbai, the action also covered establishments including the Nair Hospital canteen, Milan Punjab, Sadguru Sweets, Vishwas Sweets and Snacks, A-1 General & Dry Fruits and Blink Commerce. The FDA has said it will continue legal action against establishments found compromising consumer health and food-safety standards.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Olympia Coffee House’s century-old legacy is part of Mumbai’s cultural fabric, but heritage cannot substitute for basic standards that protect customers and workers. Food safety is ultimately about public trust, accountability and respect for the people who depend on eateries for safe meals. Regulatory action is important when serious lapses are found, while establishments should also be given a clear pathway to understand the violations, correct them and demonstrate compliance before reopening.
A constructive approach can protect consumers without dismissing the cultural value of longstanding local businesses. What steps should heritage eateries take to preserve their legacy while ensuring that food safety remains non-negotiable?
