Surat: Amid growing public concern over food hygiene and a series of food-related controversies across the country, a video showing a rat feasting on a puff at a food stall in Surat railway station has gone viral on social media.Following outrage among passengers, railway authorities acted promptly and sealed the food joint. Western Railway officials have also initiated proceedings for further penal action, including possible cancellation of the contractor’s licence.The approximately 30-second video is believed to have been recorded by a passenger around 3.30am on Saturday or Sunday. This is around the time when the Kolhapur-Ahmedabad Express and Dadar-Ektanagar Express arrive at Surat railway station.The video shows the food outlet bearing the name ‘Dinesh Associates Tea Stall’ on Platform 1. The passenger who made the video can be seen panning the camera across the stall while the rat continues to feed on the puff without a care.Railway authorities said the video was recorded at Surat railway station. Western Railway public relations officer Anubhav Saxena said the eatery was sealed immediately after the authorities became aware of the incident.“We sealed the food outlet as soon as we came to know about the video. We have also started proceedings to cancel the licence of the contractor. We launched an inquiry into the incident and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. We will also decide on the fine to be imposed on the contractor soon,” Saxena said.This comes at a time when Western Railway has been highlighting its efforts to improve food safety and drinking water quality. According to the railway, 1,000 food samples were tested between April and Aug 19, with an overall fitness rate of 98%.As part of its efforts to promote safe, hygienic and healthy food practices, 51 Western Railway stations and 13 railway campuses have also received ‘Eat Right’ certificates.
