‘Highly objectionable’: FSSAI issues notice to IRCTC over viral video of utensils being ‘washed’ in train toilet

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) termed the act, if true, objectionable as it could lead to food contamination.

Published on: May 28, 2026, 22:30:53 IST

Written by Priyanjali Narayan

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Food regulator FSSAI on Thursday reportedly issued a notice to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) after taking suo motu cognizance of a viral social media video that allegedly showed railway catering staff washing utensils inside the toilet area of a moving train.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) termed the act, if true, objectionable as it could lead to food contamination, they added.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) termed the act, if true, objectionable as it could lead to food contamination, news agency PTI reported.

The video allegedly showed food plates and cutlery stored in crates next to the toilet area inside the H1 coach of the 12223 Duronto Express during lunch service. IRCTC staff were also purportedly seen handling the items in the footage shared on social media.

FSSAI served a notice to IRCTC citing the social media video, in which utensils were allegedly being washed inside the toilet premises of a train, PTI reported, citing a source.

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What is happening?

As per the video recorded by a passenger, the train was identified as the 12223 LTT-ERS Duronto.

The utensils were allegedly being cleaned by catering staff or contractual workers engaged by IRCTC, the video showed.

HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

FSSAI has sought a reply from IRCTC on the matter at the earliest.

“Washing utensils in toilet areas poses serious risks of contamination and is highly objectionable from the food safety perspective,” the news agency quoted a source as saying.

Under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, food business operators are required to maintain hygienic processing, handling, washing and cleaning practices to prevent contamination of food and food-contact surfaces.

Earlier this month, FSSAI had also sought an explanation from quick-commerce player Blinkit over consumer complaints regarding the sale of poor-quality eggs on its platform, the report said.

Even in that case, FSSAI had taken 'suo moto cognizance' of consumer complaints posted on social media platforms.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Priyanjali Narayan
Priyanjali Narayan is a journalist with Hindustan Times based in New Delhi. She has over two years of experience covering national and international affairs, reporting on breaking news, producing in-depth explainers, and writing feature stories. Her work explores the political, social, and cultural dimensions of major events, with a focus on providing clear, nuanced, and accessible journalism for a broad audience.Before joining Hindustan Times, she was part of the India Today newsroom, where she specialised in explanatory journalism. There, she wrote detailed analyses of major domestic and international issues and produced feature stories that included interviews with prominent public figures. The role strengthened her ability to combine speed with depth in a fast-paced news environment.She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in History from the University of Delhi. Her academic training continues to shape her storytelling, grounding her work in historical context and research-driven insight.Outside the newsroom, she enjoys reading personal essays and fiction, and is often planning her next trip, always seeking stories that deepen her understanding of people and places.Read More

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