Food Served by Railways Contaminated, Recycled, Unfit For Consumption: CAG Report

“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,” the CAG said in its report tabled in Parliament on Friday.

Updated: July 22, 2017 8:28 AM IST

By India.com News Desk

Food Served by Railways Contaminated, Recycled, Unfit For Consumption: CAG Report

New Delhi, July 21: Food served by Indian Railways is contaminated, recycled, unhygienic and unfit for consumption, says the report filed by Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). The report, based upon the survey conducted at 74 Railway states and 80 trains, said the foodstuff being sold was ‘unsuitable for consumption’.

The audit body also raised concern over the quality of water sold for the purpose of drinking. The CAG report pointed the use of unrecognized brands of water bottles by Railways, along with the direct use of unfiltered tap water for cooking purpose.

“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,” the CAG said in its report tabled in Parliament on Friday.

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

The report also stated that unpurified water straight from the tap was used in preparation of beverages, waste bins were not found covered, not emptied regularly and not washed, food stuff were not covered to protect them from flies, insects and dust, rats and cockroaches were found in trains etc.

The CAG also pointed out that bills were not given for the food items served in mobile units in trains. “Printed menu cards with tariff for the rate list of food items sold in the mobile units were not available with waiters and catering managers in trains,” it said.

The report also highlighted that the food stuff served was less than the prescribed quantity, unapproved packaged drinking water was sold, proprietary article depot items were sold at railway stations at maximum retail price with weight and prices different from the open market and per unit of food articles sold in railway premises was significantly higher.

(With inputs from IANS)

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