Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has found itself in soup, yet again. A passenger on the Ahmedabad to Mumbai Vande Bharat train reported receiving contaminated food as part of the meals that were served.
"Found an insect in Vande Bharat train food (Ahmedabad → Mumbai). At least 2 such cases in my coach, everyone stopped eating after that," mentioned the post by the passenger on X (formerly Twitter). Photos and videos of the meal were also attached to the post.
Found an insect in Vande Bharat train food (Ahmedabad → Mumbai). Atleast 2 such cases in my coach, everyone stopped eating after that.
— Aditya Didwania (@adityadidwania) April 6, 2026
Vendor: M/S Brandavan Food Products (part of RK Group).@fssaiindia @AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia @IRCTCofficial
Just one request to the… pic.twitter.com/rNrfVaNN5b
IRCTC replied to the post, saying a hefty penalty of Rs 10 lakh, along with a termination notice of the contract, was issued to the service provider. The kitchen has also been sealed for deep cleaning and pest control, as per the officials.
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Last week, a woman and her son reportedly suffered severe allergic reactions following a meal served onboard the Vande Bharat Express. Netizens have raised public health concerns over the repeated sighting of such unhygienic food being served to the passengers.
Reports of insects found in onboard meals are more than just unpleasant; they can pose serious threats to your digestive system and overall well-being.
From a health perspective, knowing how to react quickly and correctly can prevent complications like food poisoning or infections.
Contaminated food may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Even if the contamination is visible—like insects—it could indicate deeper microbial issues. Consuming such food can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, or allergic reactions. In some cases, symptoms may appear within hours, while others take longer to develop.
What to do if your food is contaminated?
The first step is to stop eating immediately. Even a small quantity of contaminated food can trigger illness. Pay attention to early symptoms such as:
- Sudden nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Unusual taste or smell
- Itching or swelling
If you've consumed contaminated food, staying hydrated is critical. Drinking clean water helps flush toxins and prevents dehydration, especially if vomiting or diarrhoea occurs.
If you observe any symptoms, consult a health expert immediately. Vulnerable individuals—such as children, elderly people, and those with weak immunity—should seek medical help sooner.
Many people tend to take over-the-counter drugs without a proper diagnosis. While these medications may provide temporary relief, they can sometimes worsen the condition by trapping harmful bacteria inside the body. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking medication.
