Questions have once again been raised regarding the catering services provided to passengers in premium trains of Indian Railways. An incident has come to light in the Mumbai-Ernakulam Duronto Express, in which food utensils were being washed inside the toilet of the train. After the video went viral on social media, Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued a notice to IRCTC.
The matter pertains to the food served to passengers in Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)-Ernakulam Duronto Express (train number 12223). In the viral video, the train’s catering staff was allegedly seen washing food utensils in the toilet complex of the train. After the video surfaced, FSSAI has considered it a serious violation of food safety and hygiene rules. FSSAI has issued a statutory notice to IRCTC on May 28, 2026, directing it to immediately submit a factual report and action taken report on the entire matter.
FSSAI has said that such negligence can become a big threat to the health of passengers. According to the food safety regulator, this case is a clear violation of the hygiene standards prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. Now all eyes are on IRCTC’s response and investigation report.
IRCTC took action
FSSAI has asked IRCTC to ensure strict adherence to hygiene rules in all catering services of the Railways. Also warned that if the rules are not followed, strict legal and regulatory action can be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. After the notice from FSSAI, a reply has come from IRCTC.
This is to clarify that IRCTC has received no notice from FSSAI in this case. All mobile catering units operates with FSSAI licenses issued by designated Railway authorities as per rules and regulations and not FSSAI authorities.
Regarding 24/05/26 incident, prompt action was https://t.co/LW5aTyDw2k
— IRCTC (@IRCTCofficial) May 29, 2026
IRCTC said in its statement that immediate action was taken after the incident of May 24, 2026. The service provider was fined and the employees concerned were removed from duty. The company says that safety and hygiene of passengers is a top priority for it and strict action is taken against any kind of negligence.
Questions raised on safety and cleanliness of passengers
As soon as this video went viral, people got angry on social media. Many people raised the question that if such an incident could happen in a premium coach like First AC, where excellent facilities and high standards of cleanliness are expected, then the situation would be even worse in other classes. Calling it a serious matter related to food safety and public health, the passengers have demanded strict action against those responsible for it.
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