Is IRCTC really serving only halal-certified meat on trains? Railways issue clarification

New Delhi: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on Thursday dismissed fresh allegations that only Halal-processed meat is being used in non-vegetarian meals served across Indian trains.

Amid renewed social media chatter and reports suggesting that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued a notice to the Railways over the alleged use of Halal-certified meat, IRCTC clarified that no guideline or policy mandates Halal certification for onboard meals.

The rumour, which initially surfaced in July 2023, resurfaced this week after claims that NHRC had intervened on the issue. IRCTC reiterated that it has consistently maintained there is no requirement for Halal certification in its catering operations.

According to the Corporation, non-vegetarian meals, primarily chicken, are prepared strictly as per the standards prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and all subsequent amendments. The Railways, it added, follow stringent food safety norms as approved by the Union government, with all licensees and catering vendors required to comply with FSSAI guidelines.

IRCTC stressed that it “fully adheres to all instructions issued by the Railways” and ensures complete compliance across its catering services. The statement aims to counter circulating claims that suggest religious discrimination in food preparation.

The complaint at the centre of the controversy alleges that the use of Halal meat amounts to a violation of the religious rights and freedom of choice of Hindu and Sikh passengers. The complainant argues that serving only Halal-prepared non-veg food restricts access to meals aligned with their faith.