Railways News: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday issued a notice to Railways' IRCTC over a viral video that shows utensils used for catering services in the Duronto Express train are allegedly being washed inside the toilet of the train by catering staff.
What FSSI Said In Its Notice
The food regularly body said that the incident violates the hygiene and sanitary guidelines prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, mandate food business operators to maintain hygienic processing, handling, washing and cleaning practices.
"It has come to FSSAI's notice through a video circulating on social media that utensils used for catering services in Train No. 12223 – LTT ERS Duronto are allegedly being washed inside the toilet of the train by catering staff/contractual personnel engaged for onboard catering services. Notice served to provide factual comments/explanation regarding the incident shown in the video," the notice read.
This is in contravention of the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, which mandate food business operators to maintain hygienic processing, handling, washing and cleaning practices so as to prevent contamination of food and food contact surfaces, it added.
FSSAI's Action After Social Media User Raises Hygiene Concern
The FSSAI took cognisance of the matter after an X user (@truth_on_track) raised the concern by tagging the Railway authorities with the video clip. The Truth On Track said it has raised a complaint, seeking action against the responsible contractor.
"A complaint was raised regarding alleged hygiene concerns onboard Train 12223 Duronto Express (First AC Coach H1) after visuals reportedly showed food plates and cutlery placed near/on a toilet seat area during onboard lunch service, raising serious passenger concerns around hygiene and food handling standards," its X post read.
"The incident sparked discussion online, especially because the concerns were reported from First AC, where passengers generally expect premium service and hygiene standards. An important question still remains: How are such hygiene concerns being reported even in premium classes like First AC? Passengers deserve safe, hygienic and accountable food service during train journeys. @RailMinIndia, @RailwaySeva, @IRCTCofficial. What Action you've taken so far now? Can you give us an update? Complaint Ref No: 2026052408416," the post mentioned further.
The Railway authorities have not responded to the X post yet. The X post drew severe reaction from the other users, who criticised the authorities for compromising on the health of the passengers.