New Delhi [India], June 24 (HBTV): The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has imposed a INR 1 lakh fine on a food vendor and issued a show-cause notice proposing termination of its licence after a passenger alleged that a fly was found in a meal served onboard the Tejas Express.
According to officials, the passenger reported finding a fly in the vegetable biryani served as part of a combo meal.
The passenger was immediately attended to by the Train Captain and the onboard catering manager, who apologised for the inconvenience. A replacement meal was also provided.
IRCTC has directed the vendor to procure fresh raw materials with adequate shelf life and ensure the quality of all ingredients before use. The vendor has also been instructed to conduct regular checks on the air-tightness and condition of storage containers used for rice, pulses, flour, spices and other food items.
Further details regarding the incident are awaited.
Earlier, on May 28, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a formal notice to IRCTC after a viral video allegedly showed catering staff washing utensils inside a train toilet, sources said.
The action followed the circulation of a video on social media purportedly showing contractual onboard catering personnel washing utensils in the toilet of the Duronto Express.
According to the FSSAI, the incident was in direct violation of the hygiene and sanitary requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. (ANI)