A recent social media post has sparked fresh concerns over food safety on India’s premium trains after a woman and her young son reportedly suffered severe allergic reactions following a meal served onboard the Vande Bharat Express.
The incident, which quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), involved a mother traveling with her two-year-old child. According to her post, after consuming the lunch, she developed a severe allergy that could have been life-threatening and her son developed diarrhoea. Both began experiencing symptoms shortly after consuming the meal provided during their journey.
She further mentioned how the doctors explained that her allergy would have become serious had she not consulted immediately. The images provided with the post show her lips swollen and face visibly inflamed—classic signs of an acute allergic reaction.
Responding to the viral post, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) stated that the food served on the train had undergone standard quality checks and was deemed fit for consumption. The agency also noted that no other passengers had reported similar complaints from that journey.
Netizens had mixed reactions to the viral post, with many concerned about the health of the travellers and others questioning the quality of the food served by the railways.
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Some pointed out that allergic reactions can sometimes be triggered by specific ingredients rather than overall food quality, highlighting the need for clearer labeling and passenger awareness.
What to do if you come in contact with food that causes an allergy?
As per Mayo Clinic, for a minor allergic reaction, prescribed antihistamines or those available without a prescription may help reduce symptoms. However, for a severe allergic reaction, an emergency injection of epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room would be necessary. If you are aware of what causes an allergy, carry an epinephrine autoinjector (Adrenaclick, EpiPen).
Please consult a health expert immediately on observing signs of food allergy.