A viral video from the Vande Bharat Express has sparked concern over onboard food safety. On 27 August 2025, a passenger traveling on the Delhi–Varanasi route recorded a clip showing packaged food items with expired dates being served. The traveler confronted the pantry staff after noticing the issue, raising questions about hygiene standards on premium trains.
The video, shared on Instagram by user @prashant_yadav2714, quickly gained traction on social media, turning into a topic of viral news and widespread public discussion.
IRCTC Responds to Viral News
Following the clip’s circulation, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a statement addressing the matter. The organization expressed regret over the incident and confirmed that onboard supervisors had been instructed to check expiry dates on all food items.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to the passenger. The onboard catering supervisor has been advised to strictly monitor expiry dates,” IRCTC stated.
This quick response highlights the influence of a viral video in pushing authorities to act promptly and reassure passengers about food safety standards.
Details from the Trending Video
The 41-second trending video shows the passenger pointing at a ketchup sachet and questioning the pantry staff about its expiration. The traveler is heard claiming the item is “two years old” and demands an explanation for how it could be served.
Other passengers in the coach reacted with surprise, while staff explained that it might be a stock rotation error. While the authenticity of the “two years old” claim is being verified, the clip clearly shows a date suggesting the product had expired.
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Food Safety on Vande Bharat Trains
The Vande Bharat Express is one of India’s premium high-speed trains, known for modern amenities and onboard catering services. Incidents like this raise concerns about food quality checks. Railway regulations require vendors to verify packaged food for manufacturing and expiry dates before loading it onto trains.
Social media users have pointed out similar past incidents on other trains, turning the viral news into a broader conversation about passenger safety and hygiene standards on Indian Railways.
Previous Incidents and Regulatory Measures
Food quality on Indian trains has been under scrutiny for years. A 2017 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) highlighted lapses in hygiene at multiple railway kitchens. In response, IRCTC introduced stricter inspections and monitoring protocols.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, serving expired packaged food is prohibited and punishable. Vendors found violating these rules can face fines or contract termination. Experts say even one overlooked packet can damage public trust in services like the Vande Bharat Express.
Passenger Reactions and Social Media Debate
The viral video quickly generated discussions across platforms. Travelers expressed disappointment, with some calling for accountability and stricter oversight. Several passengers shared personal experiences of receiving stale or expired food on trains, which fueled the trending debate.
The video’s rapid spread illustrates how social media can amplify a single incident into viral news, forcing authorities to respond and the public to pay attention.
IRCTC’s Next Steps
Railway officials confirmed that the vendor responsible for the expired items is under review. Random checks on other Vande Bharat Express trains have been initiated to prevent similar issues.
Passengers are encouraged to report expired or questionable food immediately via the Rail Madad helpline or IRCTC’s social media handles. Authorities emphasized that all onboard staff are responsible for monitoring expiry dates to maintain hygiene standards.
What This Viral Video Means for Travelers
The viral video serves as a reminder for passengers to remain vigilant when consuming onboard meals. While the Vande Bharat Express offers premium services, this incident highlights that lapses can occur.
With IRCTC promising stricter monitoring, passengers may see improvements in food quality checks. Meanwhile, travelers are advised to inspect packaged items before consumption and report any concerns promptly.
This viral video underscores the importance of accountability and food safety in Indian Railways, showing how quick public attention can drive immediate action.
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