IRCTC and QCI Launch Digital Food Safety Audits for Trains

New Initiative for Food Safety in Railways

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a strategic collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI) aimed at elevating food safety standards across its operations. This partnership will introduce technology-driven, independent audits focused on hygiene and safety in catering services on trains and at railway stations.

Comprehensive Auditing Process

The newly established memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines that QCI will assign certified auditors to perform unannounced inspections. These audits will be conducted quarterly and semi-annually at both mobile catering units on trains and static units at stations. The primary goal is to ensure adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations.

• Assessments will cover critical areas such as:
• Food preparation and storage practices
• Staff health and hygiene compliance
• Use of protective gear
• Segregation practices between vegetarian and non-vegetarian items
• Temperature controls for meal storage
• Sanitation and pest control measures

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

One of the standout features of this initiative is the implementation of QCI’s digital platform. This technology will bolster transparency by documenting findings using a mobile app that integrates geo-tagging, time-stamping, and photographic proof—features designed to reduce data tampering risks.

Audit reports will be generated within 24 hours, allowing IRCTC to quickly address any issues discovered during inspections. This rapid feedback loop will enable the organization to track corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) against vendors who fail to meet established standards.

Future Prospects and Initiatives

Beyond immediate food safety audits, this collaboration lays the groundwork for potential future initiatives. Plans are in place for:

• Passenger satisfaction surveys
• Infrastructure audits
• Specialized training programs for catering staff

The MoU was signed by IRCTC’s General Manager of Quality & Projects, Sudhir Warrier, and QCI’s Principal Advisor, Subroto Ghosh, marking a significant step towards improved catering standards in Indian Railways.

The signing ceremony also included notable attendees such as Ramanand Nagender Shukla from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and Mohit Padhi from QCI, alongside IRCTC’s CMD Rahul Himalian and Director of Catering Services, Manoj Kumar Sharma.

The partnership is backed by QCI’s proven expertise in managing extensive public monitoring initiatives, which include key programs like Swachh Survekshan and national milk and food surveillance for the FSSAI.

This collaboration emphasizes IRCTC’s commitment to enhancing the quality of food offered to passengers, ensuring that safety and hygiene remain top priorities in the railway catering services.