New Delhi, May 30: A video showing unsanitary practices involving dishwashing in the toilet of the Duronto Express has gone viral. This train operates from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai to Ernakulam in Kerala. In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a statutory notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This information was shared by FSSAI on Saturday.
The notice, posted on the social media platform X, stated that the video of train number 12223, the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)-Ernakulam (ERS) Duronto Express, has been taken seriously. The footage shows catering staff or contracted employees washing dishes inside the train’s toilet.
FSSAI indicated that if these allegations are confirmed, the actions would violate cleanliness and hygiene standards outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
The notice highlighted that washing dishes in toilet areas poses a serious risk of contamination in food, making it highly objectionable from a food safety perspective. Such incidents can adversely affect public health and erode customer trust in railway catering services.
FSSAI has requested accurate information and clarification from IRCTC regarding this incident and has instructed them to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR).
Furthermore, FSSAI inquired whether catering services on the train were being managed by a contractor or a licensee. They also requested complete details, including the contractor’s valid FSSAI license number.
Additionally, the notice asked what corrective actions have been taken against the contractor or staff responsible for this alleged violation and whether any enforcement measures have been implemented. It also sought information on the food safety training and certification received by the catering employees.
Moreover, IRCTC has been directed to strictly adhere to the requirements outlined in Schedule 4 of the food safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
FSSAI emphasized the urgency of this matter and instructed IRCTC to submit their response and the report of actions taken as soon as possible.
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