Vijayawada Division Conducts “Swachh Aahar” (Clean Food) Inspections

 

As part of Swachhata Pakhwada-2025, Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway organized extensive “Swachh Aahar (Clean Food)” inspections across all major stations of the Division including Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Tenali, Ongole, and other key stations. Checks were also conducted at kitchens of Training Centres, Running Rooms and other units. The campaign is aimed at reinforcing food safety, hygiene, and quality standards in all railway catering units and food service outlets functioning under the Division.

The inspections were jointly conducted by officials from the Health Department, Environment & Housekeeping Management (EnHM), IRCTC, and the Commercial Department. At each station, the teams carried out comprehensive checks of catering stalls, coach restaurants, refreshment rooms, and circulating area eateries to ensure adherence to prescribed hygiene norms and regulatory guidelines.

The inspection teams examined the validity of FSSAI licences and annual medical fitness certificates of food handlers and catering staff. Detailed observations were made regarding the cleanliness of kitchens, utensil washing areas, storage rooms, and refrigeration facilities. Food preparation areas were reviewed to ensure compliance with hygienic cooking and serving practices. Temperature monitoring of hot cases, refrigerators, and deep freezers was undertaken to verify that food items were maintained within permissible safety limits.

The teams also checked packaged and processed food items such as snacks, dairy products, and beverages for compliance with labelling, expiry, and storage norms. Waste management practices were observed, focusing on the availability and use of segregated wet and dry dustbins with proper lids. Officials reviewed pest control schedules and garbage disposal systems, while simultaneously educating vendors and staff on source segregation and sustainable waste handling methods.

During the drive, food handlers and licensees were sensitized on the 12 Golden Rules of Food Safety, along with Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and FIFO/FEFO principles for proper food storage and rotation. Samples of selected food items were also collected for testing under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to ensure compliance with national food safety benchmarks.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mohit Sonakiya, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, stated, “Vijayawada Division is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety for our passengers. Regular Swachh Aahar inspections help us strengthen public confidence in railway catering services and ensure that the food served at stations is safe, clean, and wholesome.”

The Swachh Aahar initiative is an integral part of the Division’s broader effort under Swachhata Pakhwada to provide passengers with a clean, healthy, and customer-friendly travel experience, aligning with the national vision of ‘Swachh Rail, Swasth Bharat.’

SCR BZA PR No.127 

Date: 9th October 2025