FSSAI Seeks Explanation From IRCTC Over Utensil Washing in Train Toilet

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) over an alleged food safety lapse onboard Train No. 12223 (LTT–ERS Duronto Express) after a video circulating on social media purportedly showed catering personnel washing food-service utensils inside a train toilet.

On 28 May 2026, the FSSAI’s Regulatory Compliance Division issued a notice regarding the hygiene and sanitation protocols outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011. The regulator warned that if the allegations hold true, these actions constitute a grave violation of food safety rules and could expose passengers to potential contamination.

According to FSSAI, food-contact utensils must be cleaned and handled in hygienic conditions, and the use of toilet premises for washing such utensils is fundamentally inconsistent with prescribed food safety standards.

The regulator noted that cleaning utensils used for food preparation or service inside toilet areas creates a substantial risk of contamination and may compromise public health, sanitation, and food hygiene requirements mandated under the food safety framework.

Acting on the viral video, FSSAI directed IRCTC to furnish factual comments and a detailed explanation regarding the incident. The authority also sought identification of the contractor or licensee responsible for catering operations on the train, along with the relevant FSSAI licence particulars.

Further, IRCTC has been asked to provide details of corrective measures undertaken, disciplinary action initiated against the personnel involved, and information regarding Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) training imparted to food handlers engaged in onboard catering services.

FSSAI additionally directed IRCTC to ensure strict compliance with the hygiene and sanitation requirements under Schedule 4 and to submit an urgent action-taken report outlining measures adopted to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

The matter currently remains at the compliance and fact-verification stage, with the regulator awaiting IRCTC’s response before considering any further regulatory action.