The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a formal notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) following reports of alleged unhygienic practices in onboard catering operations. The action comes after a video circulated widely on social media reportedly showed catering staff washing utensils inside the toilet of Train No. 12223 – LTT-ERS Duronto Express, triggering serious concerns over food safety and hygiene standards in railway catering services.
According to FSSAI, the alleged act amounts to a violation of the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. The regulations mandate that food business operators maintain strict cleanliness and proper handling procedures to prevent contamination of food and food-contact surfaces.
The food safety regulator has directed IRCTC to submit a factual explanation regarding the incident shown in the viral video. Authorities stressed that adherence to food safety norms is mandatory for all catering operations, whether directly managed by IRCTC or handled through outsourced contractors and staff.
The incident has sparked widespread public concern, especially among passengers who rely heavily on onboard catering services during long-distance train journeys. Experts have pointed out that any compromise in hygiene standards inside mass transportation systems can pose significant health risks to thousands of commuters.
Officials emphasised the need for stricter supervision, regular inspections, and improved accountability in railway catering operations. The controversy has once again brought attention to the importance of maintaining sanitation protocols in food preparation, storage, and utensil cleaning processes inside trains.
IRCTC is expected to respond to the notice and initiate corrective measures if violations are confirmed. The development also highlights the broader responsibility of public service operators to ensure safe and hygienic food practices for passengers across India’s railway network.
