Probe ordered after insects found in sambar served in Vande Bharat, railway imposes fine of Rs 50,000 on food distribution company

CHENNAI: An investigation has been ordered after insects were found in the sambar served onboard the Vande Bharat train. A complaint was filed by a passenger of train 20666 which left from Tirunelveli to Egmore in Chennai, after the insects was found. The insects were found in the sambar served with breakfast after the train left Madurai. The passenger immediately lodged a complaint.

With this, the southern railway also issued a statement on the complaint. They apologized to the passenger and assured that strict action will be taken against the caterers. Following the complaint, railway officials inspected the Tirunelveli base kitchen run by Brindavan Food Products, which distributes food on trains. The team included onboard manager, chief catering inspector, chief commercial inspector and assistant commercial manager.

An inspection confirmed that the insects fell after cooking the food. With this, the authorities have also instructed to allow food for passengers from Dindigul station. The food found with the insects has been handed over to the Dindigul Health Inspector for testing. The preliminary inspection found that there were no irregularities in the preparation of other foods.

The report said the place where food is prepared and the place where it is distributed in packets is clean. Railways fined Brindavan Food Products Rs 50,000 for careless packaging of food. Railways also stated in a statement that it is their responsibility to ensure high quality of food for passengers. The railways has stated that further inspections will be conducted and passengers can lodge complaints through Rail Aid.