A comptroller and Auditor General Audit (CAG) report on the catering services in the Indian Railways has observed that foods which are sold at railway stations are unsuitable and contentious for human consumption.
CAG has filed a report in which it mentioned that contaminated foodstuff, recycled foodstuff, packaged and bottled items past their shelf life and unauthorized brands of water bottles were offered for sale at Indian Railway stations.
The audit report has found fault with frequent changes in catering policy of the railways that have created a state of uncertainty in the management of catering services provided to the passengers. An inspection has revealed cleanliness and hygiene are not being maintained, bills are not being given for the food items served in mobile units in trains, besides several deficiencies in food quality.
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During the joint inception of CAG report and railways, 74 stations and 80 trains were inspected. During the inspection, the audit noticed that cleanliness and hygiene were not being maintained at catering units at stations and in trains.
In the report submitted by CAG to the parliament it mentioned that , “ Unpurified water straight from tap was used in preparation of beverages, waste bins were not found covered, not emptied regularly and not washed, food stuff was not covered to protect them from flies, insects, and dust, rats, and cockroaches were found in trains etc.”
Further, the audit also observed that neither the bills for the food items were not given to the passengers nor printed menu cards with the tariff for the list of items are available. Unpurified water straight from the tap was used in the preparation of beverages, waste bins were not found covered and much more.
