Viral Video Ignites National Debate on Railway Food Safety Standards
A routine journey from Allahabad to Delhi aboard the Vande Bharat Express has unexpectedly catapulted the topic of train food safety into the national spotlight. A passenger's pointed questions about meal preparation methods have resonated widely, highlighting growing public awareness regarding health and hygiene standards in railway catering services. This incident underscores how seemingly minor operational details can escalate into significant public health discussions when consumer vigilance intersects with travel routines.
Passenger Raises Critical Questions About Food Heating Protocols
In a video that rapidly gained traction across social media platforms, a passenger is seen interrogating train catering staff about the process used to heat her meal. She explicitly asks, "So you heated this in the microwave?" to which the staff retorts, "Did you want it cold?" Clarifying her stance, the passenger emphasizes that her concern is not about temperature but safety, stating, "No, I don't want it cold. But the packet says store in a cool and dry place. There is no mention that it can be microwaved. You are serving this to everyone on the train. What's the authorisation?" Her inquiry brings to light a pervasive yet often overlooked issue: the potential risks associated with heating food in sealed plastic packaging without proper certification.
Similar Practices Reported on Other Premium Trains
The passenger further revealed that she observed identical procedures on the Rajdhani Express during her travels between Delhi and Allahabad. She documented her experience, writing, "The kachori was hot, but it was in a sealed packet. How was it heated? Was the entire packet microwaved?" Noting that the "Halka Phulka" roti packet explicitly instructs storage in a cool, dry place without any microwave-safe indications, she expressed alarm that these packets were distributed hot. Staff confirmation that rotis were heated directly in their packaging prompted her to assert, "This may be operational convenience. But food safety should never rely on shortcuts."
Health Risks Associated with Heating Plastic Packaging
The concerns raised are far from trivial. According to various online health and safety resources, heating certain types of plastics beyond their recommended thresholds can lead to the leaching of harmful chemicals into food. The extent of this risk hinges on the specific packaging material and whether it possesses certifications for microwave use. Repeated heating of non-certified packets could potentially pose long-term health hazards, making this a critical issue for public welfare.
IRCTC Issues Public Response and Seeks Details
The viral post swiftly captured the attention of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Ministry of Railways. IRCTC publicly responded with an apology, stating, "Ma'am, our sincere apology for the inconvenience. Please DM your PNR and mobile number to enable us to address this." They followed up with a request for specific details: "Please share your PNR and mobile number to proceed with addressing your concerns. Your response will help us assist you promptly." This engagement indicates a recognition of the issue's seriousness and a commitment to investigating the matter further.
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the evolving expectations among travelers regarding food safety. As passengers become more informed and vocal, railway authorities may need to reassess and transparently communicate their catering protocols to ensure compliance with health standards and maintain public trust.
