IRCTC Faces Notice After Viral Video Shows Utensils Washed in Train Toilet

By Mahima Katal India’s food safety regulator has issued a notice to the state-run railway catering company after a viral social media video allegedly showed catering staff washing utensils inside a train toilet area, officials said Thursday.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took suo motu cognizance of the video circulating online and sought an explanation from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), news agency reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The video, reportedly filmed by a passenger aboard Train No. 12223 — the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Ernakulam Duronto Express — appears to show utensils being cleaned inside the toilet section of a coach by catering personnel or contracted staff associated with IRCTC.

FSSAI described the alleged practice as “highly objectionable” and warned that it could pose serious food contamination risks. Under India’s Food Safety and Standards regulations, food business operators are required to maintain hygienic handling, cleaning, and washing procedures to prevent contamination of food and food-contact surfaces.

The regulator has asked IRCTC to respond at the earliest regarding the incident. The episode has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with users raising concerns over food hygiene standards on Indian trains.

Earlier this month, FSSAI also sought an explanation from quick-commerce company Blinkit following online consumer complaints regarding the alleged sale of poor-quality eggs. In both cases, the regulator acted after taking suo motu cognizance of social media complaints.