Key Development 

Authorities imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh and shut down the base kitchen at Kadavanthra in Kochi after discovering large quantities of stale food in May. The kitchen supplied meals to several trains, including the Vande Bharat Express. A three-member inspection committee—comprising officials from the Railways and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)—recommended the closure after visiting the site. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the action in response to a question raised by Kochi MP Hibi Eden in Parliament.

Govt considers the Kudumbashree network for onboard catering

When asked if the government planned to involve community-led groups like Kudumbashree’s Samrudhi network in supplying food on trains, the Minister said a pilot test with Kudumbashree Samrudhi had already been conducted. He added that IRCTC selects onboard catering service providers through regular, transparent tenders.

Strict monitoring and safety steps are in place

The Minister outlined several steps taken to ensure food safety and hygiene:

• Meals sourced only from designated base kitchen
• Setup of modern base kitchen at key locations
• Installation of CCTV cameras for monitoring food preparation
• Use of branded raw materials (oil, grains, spices, dairy)
• Deployment of food safety supervisors in kitchens and on trains
• Mandatory FSSAI certification for all catering units

Additionally, IRCTC carries out regular food sampling, third-party audits, deep cleaning, pest control, and customer satisfaction surveys. Officials also conduct regular and surprise inspections.

Source: The Hindu