Full Breakdown
Olympia Coffee House Licence Suspension Marks Major FDA Crackdown in Maharashtra
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Immediate Action on September 16 2026
On September 16 2026 the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the food licence of the 108-year-old Olympia Coffee House in Colaba and the canteen of Mumbai’s Nair Hospital. Inspectors recorded a urinal in the food-storage area, cockroach and fly infestations, meat-blood residues inside a refrigerator, and food being handled directly on the floor. Additional deficiencies included unclean water, damaged wooden chopping boards, improper segregation of raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, and the absence of protective clothing for food handlers. Of the 35 food handlers at Olympia, 34 had not completed mandatory food-safety training, and the establishment could not produce water-testing reports or sanitation records. The action followed a consumer complaint filed under the “Safe Food Safe Maharashtra” campaign.
Background & Context
The suspensions are part of a festive-season enforcement drive intensified under FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Earlier in the month, on September 12 2026, the agency suspended the licence of nearby Café Mondegar for temperature-control and sanitation lapses. A prior action on July 15 2026 targeted the KEM Hospital canteen in Parel for similar violations. The campaign has inspected more than 1,800 hotels, clubs and dhabas across Maharashtra, resulting in 199 licence suspensions and 948 improvement notices.
Violations Identified
- Structural and sanitary breaches: urinal in food-storage area, damaged chopping boards, unclean water.
- Pest infestation: cockroaches and flies.
- Cross-contamination risks: meat-blood residues, food handled on the floor, lack of segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian raw items.
- Staff compliance failures: 34 of 35 handlers lacked mandatory training; no protective clothing; missing water-testing and sanitation records.
Data & Statistics
- Statewide impact: licences of 14 establishments were suspended out of 27 inspected on the same day.
- Mumbai focus: 7 establishments—including Olympia Coffee House, Nair Hospital canteen, Blink Commerce Private Limited (Chembur), Vishwas Sweets and Snacks (Ghatkopar West), A-1 General & Dry Fruits (Ghatkopar West), Milan Punjab (Worli) and Sadguru Sweets (Malad East)—faced immediate suspension.
- Seizures: the agency seized 2,813 kg of milk and dairy products worth INR7,38,230, along with substandard sweets and confectionery.
Official Statements & Responses
The FDA cited Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 as the legal basis for the suspensions, directing both establishments to cease all activities related to the purchase, preparation, storage, sale and distribution of food. Further action will depend on rectifying the deficiencies and passing a re-inspection. Nair Hospital dean Dr Shailesh Mohite did not respond to queries, and Olympia Coffee House could not be reached for comment.
What’s Next
A press note dated September 17 2026 confirmed that the FDA will review the premises after corrective measures are implemented. The suspension remains in effect until the establishments pass a follow-up inspection that meets the agency’s hygiene and safety standards.