FSSAI issues notice to IRCTC over video of utensils washed in train toilet

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) after a viral video emerged showing alleged mishandling of utensils by catering staff inside a train toilet. The incident, captured by a passenger on the 12223 LTT-ERS Duronto Express, purportedly shows personnel washing food plates and cutlery in the toilet area. FSSAI has termed the act, if true, as "highly objectionable" due to the significant risk of food contamination it poses. The food regulator's action stems from the alleged violation of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, which mandates hygienic practices to prevent food contamination. The regulations stipulate that food business operators must maintain proper washing and cleaning practices to ensure food safety. FSSAI has taken "suo motu cognizance" of the video, which circulated widely on social media platforms, prompting public outcry over hygiene standards in railway catering. While Hindustan Times could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, FSSAI has requested an immediate response from IRCTC regarding the matter. The news agency PTI reported that FSSAI cited the social media video in its notice to IRCTC. This incident brings to light ongoing concerns about food safety and hygiene in Indian Railways catering. Previous reports and regulatory actions by FSSAI indicate a history of scrutiny over food handling practices on trains. For instance, in May 2026, FSSAI also sought an explanation from quick-commerce platform Blinkit over consumer complaints about poor-quality eggs. In 2018, Northern Railways had also highlighted issues with catering materials being stored near train lavatories, prompting FSSAI to ask railways to redesign coaches to prevent such practices. Furthermore, in 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra launched an inquiry into a railway vendor allegedly using toilet water to prepare chutney. IRCTC's own policies and regulations emphasize adherence to FSSAI rules for food preparation, storage, and handling, with mandatory FSSAI certification for catering units and deployment of food safety supervisors. The organization also conducts regular inspections and third-party audits to ensure compliance. The current incident, however, underscores the gap between established protocols and actual on-ground practices, leading to regulatory intervention. The FSSAI's prompt action highlights the seriousness with which food safety violations are being treated, especially in public transportation where a large number of people are served. The regulator awaits IRCTC's reply to determine further course of action. The incident also reignites discussions about the responsibility of contractual staff and third-party vendors in maintaining hygiene standards, as they are often involved in the catering services. The FSSAI's directive emphasizes the critical need for continuous vigilance and strict enforcement of food safety regulations to safeguard passenger health and uphold public trust in railway catering services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest