Once again a big controversy has come to light regarding the quality and cleanliness of food served in trains. After a video went viral on social media, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation i.e. IRCTC.
It is alleged in the video that the catering staff in train number 12223 LTT-Ernakulam Duronto Express was washing food utensils in the train toilet.
After the matter came to light, FSSAI has considered it a serious violation of food safety and hygiene rules. According to sources, the authority has sought factual answers and clarification from IRCTC on this entire matter. Questions have been raised many times in the past regarding cleanliness in the railway catering system, but this video has once again increased the concern of the passengers.
Strictness increased after viral video
In the video that went viral on social media, the catering staff was allegedly seen cleaning utensils inside the train toilet. After the video surfaced, people raised questions on the catering system of the Railways and the quality of food served to the passengers. After this, FSSAI immediately took cognizance and sent a notice to IRCTC.
What do food safety rules say?
Under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations 2011, it is clearly stated that the entire process of cooking, handling, washing utensils and cleaning should take place in a hygienic environment. According to the rules, there should not be any activity that could create a risk of contaminating food, utensils or their associated surfaces. FSSAI says that washing utensils in places like train toilets is against food safety standards and can have a serious impact on the health of passengers.
Answer sought from IRCTC
According to sources, FSSAI has asked IRCTC what is the truth of the viral video and how such an incident happened. Along with this, information has also been sought as to what steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in future. At present, no detailed official statement has come out from Railways and IRCTC on this matter, but it is believed that an internal investigation into the matter has been started.
Questions have been raised earlier also on railway catering.
Complaints have been raised many times in the past regarding the catering services of Indian Railways. Passengers have complained on several occasions about bad food, dirt and negligence in cleanliness. However, Railways has been continuously claiming to have modern kitchen, centralized food unit and strengthening the monitoring system. Now after this new controversy, the pressure regarding monitoring of railway catering system and following the rules may increase further.