Significant Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) after taking suo motu cognisance of a viral social media video that allegedly shows catering staff washing utensils inside a train toilet on the Mumbai–Ernakulam Duronto Express. FSSAI described the alleged practice as highly objectionable, warning that it could lead to food contamination, according to news agency PTI.

Video Sparks Hygiene Concerns on Duronto Express

An X user, Truth On Track, shared the video and alleged that IRCTC staff handled and cleaned food plates and cutlery inside the toilet area of the train. The post claimed the incident occurred in the First AC coach of Train No. 12223 (LTT–Ernakulam Duronto Express). The video reportedly shows utensils stored in crates near the toilet area during lunch service, with catering staff or contractual workers allegedly handling them in the same space.

Passenger Confronts Staff Onboard

In the video, a passenger who recorded the incident questions an IRCTC staff member inside the toilet about the practice. The staff member does not respond. The passenger then asks another attendant outside the toilet, who says he was unaware of the activity and adds that staff “usually wash them there,” without offering further clarification.

FSSAI Flags Violation of Hygiene Norms

FSSAI stated that washing utensils in toilet areas poses a serious risk of contamination and violates hygiene requirements under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. The rules mandate proper hygienic handling and cleaning of food-contact surfaces to prevent contamination. The regulator has directed IRCTC to submit a detailed factual response and clarify the circumstances shown in the video. IRCTC has not yet issued a public statement on the matter.

Source: India Today

Hindustan Times