Significant Update

The Palakkad railway division has launched strict disciplinary action against a catering unit at Mangaluru Central railway station after a surprise inspection revealed serious food safety violations. The railway food safety squad inspected the eatery on Platform No. 1 on Tuesday evening. Officials found the unit, licensed to P. N. Ramees Ali, operating in highly unhygienic conditions.

Reused Food and Rusted Equipment Found

During the inspection, officials seized boiled eggs and leftover egg curry from the previous day. According to a railway spokesperson, the eggs had turned dark yellowish in colour. Staff had allegedly washed the eggs and stored them in basins placed on top of a deep freezer for reuse. Inspectors also found the freezer heavily rusted and corroded. Railway authorities had reportedly instructed the licensee several times to replace the equipment, but the unit failed to comply.

Officials Consider Strict Penalties

The unit manager allegedly admitted that the food items were leftovers from the previous evening and meant for resale. Authorities immediately handed over the seized items to the chief health inspector for safe disposal. Railway officials said that the Palakkad division takes a zero-tolerance approach to risks affecting passenger health. Authorities are now considering heavy penalties, including suspension of the catering licence.

Source: The Times of India