The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reportedly issued a notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) after taking suo motu cognizance of a viral video showing alleged unhygienic food handling practices on a train.The footage, which circulated widely on social media, purportedly shows railway catering staff washing utensils inside or near the toilet area of a moving train.
The incident is said to have taken place on the 12223 Duronto Express, where plates and cutlery were also allegedly stored in crates close to restroom facilities.FSSAI has described the act, if confirmed, as “highly objectionable,” warning that such practices could lead to serious food contamination risks. According to reports cited by PTI, the regulator has sought an immediate response from IRCTC regarding the incident.Under existing food safety regulations, food handlers are required to maintain strict hygiene standards during preparation, cleaning, and storage of utensils to prevent contamination. Any deviation from these norms can pose health hazards to passengers consuming onboard meals.IRCTC, which manages catering services on Indian Railways through contractors, has not yet issued a detailed public response on the matter.Authorities are now examining the authenticity of the video and the circumstances under which the alleged incident occurred. The case adds to recent instances where FSSAI has intervened based on viral social media content highlighting potential food safety violations.
