Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon, Tom Holland had chai from Mumbai's Cafe Olympia—So why did Maharashtra FDA suspend its licence?

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of eight establishments across Mumbai following inspections that uncovered violations of food safety and hygiene norms. Among those facing action is the iconic Cafe Olympia Coffee House in Colaba, a 108-year-old establishment. The action against the eatery followed a consumer complaint that prompted an inspection by FDA officials.

According to the inspection findings, officials found urine in the food-storage area, unhygienic food-preparation and utensil-washing facilities, unclean water and an infestation of cockroaches and flies.

The FDA has suspended the establishment's food licence with immediate effect and directed it to stop purchasing, preparing, storing, selling and distributing food until the deficiencies are rectified and a satisfactory re-inspection is completed.

The Colaba eatery has also had its share of celebrity visitors. When actors Tom Holland, Matt Damon and filmmaker Christopher Nolan were in Mumbai in July this year to promote their film, The Odyssey they reportedly stopped at Cafe Olympia for a cup of chai. The visit added to the café's long list of famous patrons and brought renewed attention to the century-old establishment.

Meat-blood residues found at Worli restaurant

The FDA's crackdown also covered Worli's Milan Punjab restaurant, where officials reportedly found meat-blood residues inside a refrigerator.

The inspection also found inadequate segregation of raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The FDA cited violations of food safety and hygiene requirements under Schedule IV, Part II of the Food Safety and Standards Rules and Regulations, 2011.

The restaurant's licence was suspended forthwith and further legal action is underway, according to the report.

Nair Hospital canteen licence suspended

At Nair Hospital, an FDA inspection of the hospital canteen resulted in the immediate suspension of its food licence after officials found what the department described as serious violations of food safety and hygiene standards.

The FDA specifically cited the health and safety of patients and citizens while ordering the suspension.

Responding to the action, Nair Hospital dean Dr Shailesh Mohite said the suspended licence was related to the nursing department's mess, which is operated by a private contractor, and not the hospital's main canteen.

He also raised concerns about the inspection procedure, saying the hospital authorities had not been informed when officials reached the canteen and that identification and witness signatures were not provided. According to the report, Mohite said the matter had been discussed with the contractor and further action would be taken.

Blinkit unit among establishments inspected

The FDA also inspected a Blinkit unit on Peston Sagar Road in Chembur on September 16. Officials highlighted serious violations relating to hygiene and health standards and ordered action against the establishment.

The crackdown also covered conventional food outlets. The licences of Vishwas Sweets and Snacks and A-1 General & Dry Fruits in Ghatkopar, Milan Punjab in Worli, and Sadguru Sweets in Malad East were suspended after inspections found violations of food safety or hygiene requirements.

The FDA's latest action comes as the regulator intensifies inspections across Mumbai and Maharashtra during the festive season, when demand for prepared food, sweets and other food products typically rises.

The inspections underline the importance of compliance with basic food safety requirements, particularly in establishments preparing or storing food for large numbers of consumers.