Mumbai Cafe Shut Down for Severe Hygiene Lapses, Including Urinal Near Food Storage
The historic Olympia Coffee House, a site previously frequented by Hollywood stars, had its license suspended following an inspection that revealed widespread sanitation issues.
Health inspectors have suspended the operating license of the Olympia Coffee House, a historic Mumbai eatery, due to severe hygiene violations. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action after receiving a complaint about the establishment's unhygienic food services.
During their inspection last week, officials discovered a significant infestation of cockroaches and flies. They also noted the presence of dirty water and evidence of food being handled directly on the floor. Further findings included improperly segregated raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, damaged wooden chopping boards, and a lack of appropriate protective clothing among food handlers.
Most disturbingly, inspectors found a urinal located within the food storage area of the cafe.
The Olympia Coffee House, situated in South Mumbai, has been in operation for over 108 years, serving traditional dishes such as mutton keema pav, biryani, kebabs, dal gosht, and bun maska.
In July, the cafe gained attention when Hollywood actors Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and director Christopher Nolan visited for a brief period before the premiere of "The Odyssey." Universal Studios India shared a photo of the trio at the cafe on Instagram. Other notable visitors include Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, who dined there in 2022.
Despite its long history and popularity with celebrities, the cafe's owners have been instructed to cease all food purchasing, preparation, storage, selling, and distribution. The FDA stated that further action would be considered only after the establishment demonstrates complete rectification of the identified deficiencies and passes a satisfactory re-inspection.