IRCTC fact-checks 2023 video on 'Halal-certified' tea after it goes viral again (WATCH)

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has refuted a claim being made in a video on social media about 'Halal-certified' food being served on trains.

IRCTC took to its X handle to say, "This is a misleading video. Please don’t believe it and don’t forward it. IRCTC requires only FSSAI compliance for its catering units." Ironically, this is the second time IRCTC is giving a clarification to the same video. It had last cleared the air around the video in July 2023.

The video is question shows a passenger arguing with railway staff over halal certification on a tea packet. The passenger expressed concerns about the certification during the month of Sawan, a sacred period in the Hindu calendar. 

However, IRCTC responded on X to clarify that the tea was 100 per cent vegetarian and had mandatory FSSAI certification with a 'Green Dot' indication. 

The manufacturer also confirmed that the product was exported to other countries, requiring halal certification. IRCTC further  reassured passengers that the product met international standards and complied with both domestic and export regulations. 

The Railways emphasized that the tea was vegetarian and the halal certification was for export purposes only.

However, social media was divided over IRCTC's clarification. One user commented, "Old video. Fine. But what is misleading? Passenger didn't print that Halal mark on tea pack. If FSSAI mark is there which is essential for selling packaged food in India, why Halal mark? There is no such order issued by govt. In our country Halal related to non vegetarian food."

Another user commented, "Your comments are misleading. We need another big player in Indian railway Catering services. Worst catering services provider. No monopoly . No accounting. No auditing. These type of viral video are common in these days."

There were also those who sided with the IRCTC, and sought action against those who were trying to instigate. A user said, "Why are you not taking any legal action against those who are spreading fake information and unnecessary things. Arrest these big influencers."

"If it is misleading, then either your vendor is flouting rules or the one who posted the video is lying. Either ways, you should take legal action against such image damaging acts. Refuting claim or claiming otherwise won't help," said another user.