A female passenger traveling from Allahabad to Delhi on the Vande Bharat Express has sparked a massive debate on social media regarding food safety and railway catering standards. The traveler raised serious health concerns after discovering that sealed plastic food packets were being heated directly in microwaves before being served.
Confrontation Over Heating Practices
During her journey, the passenger observed that items like phulkas and kachoris were being served steaming hot while still inside their original plastic seals. Suspecting a safety violation, she questioned the onboard catering staff about the heating process.
In a video captured by the passenger, the staff confirmed the food was microwaved inside the plastic. When she pointed out that the packaging explicitly instructed to "Store in a cool and dry place" and lacked any "Microwave Safe" certification, the staff dismissed the concern, asking if she would have preferred the food cold.
"Understand one basic thing. This is plastic," the passenger is heard saying in the video. "Where does it say you can microwave it directly? I want to complain."
Public Health Alert On Social Media
Following the incident, the woman took to X to highlight what she termed a "Public Health Issue." She noted that she encountered the same practice while traveling on both the Rajdhani (Delhi to Allahabad) and the Vande Bharat (Allahabad to Delhi).
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She questioned the Indian Railways' authorisation for such practices, emphasising that heating non-microwave-safe plastic can release harmful chemicals into the food. Her post quickly went viral, with numerous users tagging the Ministry of Railways and demanding accountability for these catering protocols.
IRCTC Responds To Viral Complaint
As the backlash grew, the official IRCTC account responded to the post, requesting the passenger's PNR and mobile number to initiate a formal investigation.
The traveler has urged railway authorities to clarify whether such packaging is officially permitted for microwave use and called for the immediate implementation of clear safety guidelines to prioritise passenger health.