Kochi: The Palakkad railway division is initiating strict disciplinary action against a catering unit at Mangaluru Central railway station following a surprise inspection that uncovered alarming food safety violations.
Inspection reveals severe hygiene issues
An inspection was conducted by the railway food safety squad at the eatery located on platform No. 1 on Tuesday evening. The facility, licensed to P N Ramees Ali, was found to be operating under severely unhygienic conditions. Officials seized boiled eggs and leftovers from the previous day's egg curry. The eggs, found in a 'dark yellowish' colour, had been washed and stored in basins atop a deep freezer for reuse, a railway spokesperson said.
Rusted equipment and non-compliance
The exterior of the freezer was found to be heavily rusted and corroded. Despite multiple prior instructions from authorities to replace the freezer, the licensee had failed to comply. The manager of the unit reportedly admitted that the items were remnants from the previous evening intended for sale. The seized items were handed over to the chief health inspector for immediate disposal.
Zero-tolerance policy enforced
"As we follow a zero-tolerance policy towards passenger health risks, Palakkad division is set to impose heavy penalties or suspension of the catering license," the official added. The division is committed to ensuring food safety and will take stringent action against any violations to protect passenger health.
