Indian Railways is bolstering passenger confidence in onboard catering services through the implementation of QR code technology. This initiative aims to eliminate unauthorized vendors and ensure the authenticity and quality of food served to travelers across the nation’s vast rail network.
Key Takeaways
- QR code-enabled identity cards for all catering staff.
- Digitally traceable food packets linked to their origin.
- Mandatory FSSAI certification for all catering units.
- Enhanced monitoring through CCTV and third-party audits.
Ensuring Authenticity and Accountability
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that QR code-enabled identity cards for individual vendors, helpers, and staff involved in onboard catering services are now mandatory. Scanning these QR codes allows passengers to verify the authenticity of the staff, displaying details such as their name, Aadhaar number, medical fitness, and police verification records.
Furthermore, QR codes are now affixed to food packets. These codes provide crucial information about the food’s origin, including the name of the kitchen where it was prepared and the date of manufacturing. This measure significantly curbs the presence of unauthorized vendors and ensures that passengers receive verified catering services.
Elevating Food Quality and Safety Standards
Beyond verification, Indian Railways has implemented several measures to improve the quality, hygiene, and safety of food served onboard.
- Designated Base Kitchens: Meals are supplied exclusively from designated base kitchens.
- Modern Kitchens: Modern base kitchens have been commissioned at identified locations.
- CCTV Monitoring: CCTV cameras are installed in base kitchens to monitor food preparation processes.
- Quality Ingredients: Popular and branded raw materials, including cooking oil, atta, rice, pulses, spices, paneer, and dairy products, are shortlisted and used for food production.
- Food Safety Supervisors: Dedicated Food Safety Supervisors are deployed at base kitchens to oversee food safety and hygienic practices.
Compliance and Continuous Improvement
To ensure strict adherence to food safety norms, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification from designated Food Safety Officers is mandatory for every catering unit. Regular food sampling as part of the inspection and monitoring mechanism guarantees the quality of food served on trains. Third-party audits are conducted to examine hygiene and quality in pantry cars and base kitchens, complemented by customer satisfaction surveys.
Additionally, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) conducts regular training sessions for catering staff to enhance their skills, with a particular focus on customer service.
Sources
- QR code | DD News, DD News.