FSSAI issues notice to IRCTC after video shows staff washing utensils in train toilet; seeks explanation
New Delhi, May 28
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued a formal notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation following a viral video allegedly showing catering staff washing utensils inside a train toilet, sources said on Thursday.
The action was taken after a video began circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing contractual personnel engaged for onboard catering services washing utensils in the toilet of Train No. 12223 (LTT ERS Duronto Express).
According to the FSSAI, the incident is in direct contravention of the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
According to the FSSAI notice, this is in contravention of the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, which mandate food business operators to maintain hygienic processing, handling, washing and cleaning practices so as to prevent contamination of food and food contact surfaces.
The FSSAI has emphasised that such practices pose a significant risk to public health and compromise the integrity of the catering services provided to railway passengers.
Further action is expected once the IRCTC submits its response to the statutory body.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While this is absolutely unacceptable, let's also acknowledge that the contractual staff are often underpaid and overworked. The root cause is the outsourcing model. IRCTC must ensure proper facilities and training, not just blame the workers. But yes, washing utensils in toilet is a clear violation - no excuses for that.
I'm an expat living in India and I've experienced the railway catering many times. This video doesn't surprise me at all. The hygiene standards on Indian trains are generally poor compared to other countries. I hope FSSAI follows through with strict action and doesn't let this become another forgotten case. Passengers deserve better.
Remember the time IRCTC was praised for its e-catering services during the pandemic? And now this! 🤦♀️ It's the same contractors operating. The system needs a complete overhaul - CCTV surveillance in pantry cars, separate washing areas, and random food quality audits. Until then, I'll stick to my homemade theplas and chivda for train journeys.
Main daily train travel karta hoon. Ye koi nayi baat nahi hai. Staff ko kahan facility hai? Unke paas paani bhi nahi hai properly. Lekin phir bhi toilet mein bartan dhona bahut galat hai. FSSAI and Railways dono ko milkar solution nikalna chahiye - staff ko proper washing area provide karo aur strict rules lagao. Public health se khelna theek nahi.
This is why I always carry my own food on Indian trains
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