The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a statutory notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) over alleged food safety and hygiene violations after a viral video purportedly showed catering staff washing food-service utensils inside a toilet on board the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Ernakulam Duronto Express.

Taking serious note of the incident, the food regulator has directed IRCTC to submit a detailed explanation along with a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR). FSSAI said the matter came to its attention through a widely circulated social media video that raised concerns over food handling practices in railway catering services.

In its notice, the regulator described the alleged act as a serious food safety concern and said such practices, if verified, would violate hygiene and sanitation norms prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. FSSAI noted that food business operators are required to maintain strict standards in cleaning, washing and handling food-contact surfaces to prevent contamination.

The authority further warned that cleaning utensils in toilet areas poses a significant contamination risk and could adversely affect public health. It also said such incidents have the potential to erode passenger trust in railway catering services.

The controversy erupted after a video allegedly recorded by a passenger on the Mumbai LTT - Ernakulam Duronto Express surfaced online and quickly went viral. The footage appeared to show catering personnel cleaning plates and bowls inside a train toilet before stacking them for further use.

Following the video's circulation, FSSAI sought an immediate response from IRCTC, stressing the need for accountability and compliance with food safety regulations.

What action has IRCTC taken?

Responding to the incident, IRCTC said it had already initiated disciplinary measures against those involved. According to the corporation, a penalty has been imposed on the service provider responsible for onboard catering, while the staff members seen in the video have been removed from duty.

IRCTC said passenger safety and hygiene remain top priorities and reiterated that it follows strict food safety protocols across its catering operations. The corporation added that catering personnel are regularly trained and counselled on hygiene standards, and any violations are dealt with promptly.