(a) whether during surprise checks in Railway kitchens it was found that none of them were following the standards set up by Railway Catering Policy on personal hygiene and food safety;
(b) whether food poisoning are in the Calcutta – Delhi Rajdhani Express was reported in July this year; and
(c) if so, the steps taken by the Railways to improve the working of Railway Kitchens and catering services in trains ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS AND
MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS ( SHRI O. RAJAGOPAL )
(a) Base kitchens are following the prescribed norms.
(b) & (c) It was brought to the notice of railway
administration that on 04.07.2001, five passengers of 2305
Howrah – New Delhi Rajdhani Express boarded at Patna
reportedly experienced discomfort after taking meals. But
no conclusive proof of food poisoning was established. To
reduce lead time between preparation and service of meals,
it has been decided to pick up food from Patna Base kitchen
for the passengers boarding from Patna station on 2305
Rajdhani Express train. In addition to regular upgrading of
the working of base kitchens and on board catering services
through inspections, counseling and training, intensive
drives were also held from time to time to improve quality
of catering services.