Overview

A food safety crisis is unfolding in the Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division as passengers unknowingly consume poor-quality food due to the lack of food safety officers. The health department has left the position of Food Safety Officer vacant for over a year, allowing food safety inspections to go unchecked. This oversight has allowed the sale of substandard food without fear of consequences.

Unmonitored Food Safety Standards

The Food Safety Officer plays a vital role in inspecting food stalls at stations and pantry cars to ensure the food served to passengers is safe. However, the absence of an officer has halted these inspections, leaving food safety practices unmonitored at over 250 stations and 100 pantry cars across the division. As a result, passengers face the risk of consuming spoiled food.

Spoiled Food Found, But No Action Taken

Recently, the Municipal Health Department uncovered spoiled chicken, stale chapatis, and rotten boiled eggs at a catering unit in Kochi. Although the Railways faced a one lakh rupee fine for these violations, it highlights the larger issue of unregulated food practices. The divisional officials paid the fine, but without consistent inspections, such incidents are likely to continue.

Food Safety Officer’s Role and Legal Authority

Food Safety Officers are responsible for collecting food samples, sending suspicious items for lab testing, and taking action when they find food unfit for consumption. However, the absence of officers in the Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur divisions means no one is overseeing these crucial procedures. Without these officers, state food safety officials cannot intervene within the Railway jurisdiction, leaving the system open to violations.

Unregulated Fish Shipments Cause Complaints

The absence of inspections has allowed the unregulated transportation of spoiled fish through stations, particularly along the Thiruvananthapuram route. Passengers have complained about the unbearable stench of spoiled fish being transported without oversight. The news of inspection lapses has only encouraged these practices to continue unchecked.

Conclusion

The lack of Food Safety Officer in key Railway divisions jeopardises passenger health. Without proper inspections, substandard food continues to be sold, and food safety violations remain unresolved. Railway authorities must prioritise filling these positions to maintain food safety standards and protect passengers.

Source: Mathrubhumi.com