Indian Railways serves food not fit for human consumption, says CAG report

The CAG on Friday has observed that food served in the Indian Railways is not fit for human consumption and catering units at stations were not achieving acceptable levels of cleanliness and hygiene.

In a report tabled in Parliament on Friday, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India said, "During the inspection at selected 74 stations and 80 trains, audit noticed that cleanliness and hygiene were not being maintained at catering units at stations and in trains".

"Articles unsuitable for human consumption, contaminated foodstuff, recycled foodstuff, shelf life expired packaged and bottled items, unauthorised brands of water bottles etc were offered for sale on stations", the CAG said.

Read more: World Bank to draw up Rs 5 lakh crore makeover plan for Indian Railway

The audit revealed that beverages were prepared from unpurified tap water, the heatlh of consumers was put at risk as foodstuff was not covered to protect them from flies, insects and dust, rats and cockroaches were found in trains etc.

The report has also pointed out that the clutter has been created due to frequent changes in policy and the failure of the Indian Railways to take effective steps to bridge the gap to provide necessary infrastructure in terms of base kitchens, static catering units, and automatic vending machines etc.