Scan Before You Eat: Railways uses QR codes to ensure safe food

Indian Railways has taken a strong initiative to improve food quality and prevent unauthorised vendors on trains. The new system allows vendors to enter the train with a QR code, ensuring strict checking to make sure passengers get safe and hygienic food during their journey.

Under Section 144 of the Railways Act, it is illegal to sell food on a train without proper authorisation. Railway officials and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) conduct regular inspections on trains and stations to prevent this problem. Special drives are also carried out to remove unauthorised vendors.

QR code system for vendor verification

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To make sure only approved staff sell food on trains, Indian Railways has made it mandatory for catering staff to have QR code identity cards for verification.

Key features of this system are:

• Every vendor will have a QR code ID to ensure they are a genuine staff member
• The scanning process reveals both the person's name and their verification status
• The report includes three identification methods including Aadhaar, police verification and medical fitness verification

Food packages come with QR codes, displaying:

• kitchen's name
• Manufacturing date

This system makes the food service more transparent and trustworthy.

Focus on food quality and hygiene

• The Railways have taken various initiatives to improve the food quality for passengers, such as:
• The Base Kitchen prepares food only in its authorised kitchen facilities
• Current development projects are constructing modern kitchen facilities at multiple sites
• The installation of CCTV cameras enables monitoring of food preparation operations
• The company uses high-quality raw materials, including oil, rice and spices
• Food Safety Supervisors are appointed to maintain proper hygiene standards during the cooking process

Monitoring and inspections

Regular inspections are performed to ensure high standards are maintained, including the following:

• Officials conduct unexpected inspections of the premises
• Quality testing through food sample analysis
• Independent auditors evaluate kitchen facilities and pantry cars
• Customer feedback surveys

Onboard IRCTC supervisors perform service monitoring throughout train operations.

Cleanliness and staff training

Railway catering operators maintain their primary focus on kitchen cleanliness, such as:

• The kitchens and pantry cars undergo a deep cleaning procedure at scheduled times
• The facility conducts pest control operations at predetermined times
• All staff members must obtain FSSAI certification as a requirement for their work

Railway staff members undergo training, including:

• Customer service
• Hygiene practices
• Proper behaviour and communication

This process allows passengers to obtain superior service together with secure food options.

Strict rules against unauthorised vendors

The act of unauthorised vending constitutes an offence which leads to criminal penalties; the Railways implements strict measures to prevent all forms of unauthorised activities:

• RPF and officials conduct regular inspection activities through their established procedures.
• The organisation conducts special operations to eliminate all forms of illegal vending activities.
• Railway laws establish severe punishments for all violations that occur within their framework.

The implemented measures guarantee that only licensed vendors will conduct their business activities on trains.

Indian Railways is making significant enhancements to its onboard catering services. Passengers now receive safer and cleaner food through QR code verification and better kitchen facilities and strict monitoring systems.

The railway companies implemented these changes to enhance passenger satisfaction while establishing trust in their services. The Indian Railways system shows its dedication to building a modern and trustworthy system through its implementation of advanced technological solutions and hygienienc standards.