19 January,2009 06:08 AM IST | | Vedika Tripathi
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Ltd (IRCTC) will ensure that the food you eat on trains and platforms is cooked in hygienic conditions.
It has appointed 10 quality inspectors who will examine the cleanliness of the base kitchen and pantry cars by conducting surprise checks. They will be equipped with digital cameras to capture the conditions as proof.
u00a0"Our basic idea is to provide clean food to passengers.
We have initiated this service to check cleanliness levels and whether the contractors follow the IRCTC rules," said R D Sharma, group general manager, IRCTC. "At present, we have six digital cameras and have ordered four more. Our inspectors will make random visits and click pictures while the food is being cooked," added Sharma.
The IRCTC rules state that the cook must wear an apron, have his nails cut and wear gloves while chopping vegetables. Also, there should be proper sanitation and ventilation in the kitchen.
The IRCTC has made it clear that action will be taken against all contractors who do not follow these rules. Repeat offenders stand to lose their licences.
"We had to close our stall for four days last month because we were not following IRCTC rules. The inspectors found that my kitchen was not up to the mark in terms of hygiene. Henceforth, I will keep my premises clean," said an employee of one of the stalls at Churchgate station.
