A major food safety violation has come to light in Ernakulam, Kerala, as authorities sealed a railway catering canteen near Kadavanthra for serving stale and unhygienic food, reportedly on long-distance trains including the Vande Bharat Express.
During a surprise raid led by the health wing of the Kochi Corporation on Wednesday, nearly 50 kilograms of rotten chicken was discovered at the canteen’s godown in the Elamkulam division. The chicken, believed to have been stored for months, was allegedly being prepared for consumption by train passengers.
According to officials, the facility had no valid license and was operating despite repeated warnings and penalties. Residents of a nearby colony had filed complaints regarding foul odors emanating from the premises, prompting the latest inspection.
“The stench was unbearable. The canteen staff even tried to dispose of the spoiled meat by spraying disinfectant and removing it before officials could confiscate it,” said Antony Painumthara, local councillor of Elamkulam.
Health Hazards and Illegal Waste Disposal
Public health inspector V.V. Suresh confirmed that the kitchen environment was unhygienic and printed food containers found on-site suggested that meals were being packed and distributed to trains. The canteen has now been sealed and can only reopen after acquiring proper licenses and installing an approved wastewater treatment system.
The health team also found evidence that untreated wastewater and food waste were being illegally dumped into a canal that links to the Punchathodu waterway. The canteen had been fined ₹10,000 for similar violations last month, yet no corrective measures were taken.
Lack of Enforcement Sparks Political Outrage
The issue has drawn political backlash. M.G. Aristotle, UDF parliamentary party secretary, slammed the Kochi Corporation for negligence in enforcing food safety standards.
“The Corporation’s inaction is appalling. Even the mobile food testing lab acquired over a year ago under CSR funds has not been put to use,” he stated.
In response, UDF leaders staged a symbolic protest outside the idle mobile food lab, demanding stronger oversight and immediate deployment of food safety resources.
Food Safety in Question on Indian Railways
This incident raises serious concerns about food safety on Indian trains, particularly premium services like Vande Bharat. The exposure of stale meat being served to passengers has sparked public outrage and a renewed demand for stringent regulation of catering services linked to Indian Railways.