IRCTC Under Scrutiny: FSSAI Addresses Viral Video Controversy in Train Catering

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken swift action by issuing a formal notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This move follows a viral video that allegedly shows catering staff washing utensils inside a train toilet, according to sources on Thursday.

The video, which was widely shared on social media platforms, reportedly depicts contractual personnel responsible for onboard catering services cleaning utensils in the toilet of Train No. 12223 (LTT ERS Duronto Express). The incident has raised alarms as it directly contravenes the hygiene and sanitary standards outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

FSSAI's notice highlights the grave public health risks and the compromise in service integrity due to such practices. The authority awaits a response from the IRCTC as further action looms. The incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to hygienic practices in food service operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)