FSSAI seeks report from IRCTC after viral video shows utensils allegedly washed in Duronto Express toilet

The notice was issued after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed catering staff or contractual personnel washing utensils inside a train toilet. Pic/X

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a statutory notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) over allegations of unhygienic food handling practices onboard Train No 12223 (LTT-ERS Duronto Express), also known as the Mumbai-Ernakulam Duronto Express.

The notice, dated May 28 (Thursday), was issued after a video circulating on social media allegedly showed catering staff or contractual personnel washing utensils inside a train toilet. FSSAI described the alleged practice as "extremely unhygienic" and a violation of established food safety norms.

The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Congress also tweeted the video of the incident and slammed the Railway Minister over it.

According to the notice, the food safety regulator took suo motu cognisance of the viral video.

"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 or contractual personnel engaged for onboard catering services," the notice stated.

FSSAI said such practices pose a significant risk of contamination and are contrary to the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

Schedule 4 mandates that food business operators maintain proper hygienic processing, handling, washing, and cleaning practices to prevent contamination of food and food-contact surfaces. The regulator noted that washing utensils in toilet areas is highly objectionable and undermines passenger safety and confidence in railway catering services.

FSSAI seeks details of contractor, corrective measures from IRCTC

IRCTC has been directed to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR), covering factual comments on the incident, details of the catering service provider along with the valid FSSAI licence number, immediate corrective measures taken, action initiated against the concerned contractor or staff, details of FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) training provided to food handlers, and an assurance of strict compliance with hygiene requirements to prevent similar incidents.

The notice was issued by Dr Amit Sharma, executive director (compliance strategy) at FSSAI.

IRCTC has also been asked to clarify whether catering services on the train are being operated directly or through a contractor or licensee.

At the time of publication, IRCTC had not issued an official response to the notice.

(With IANS inputs)