IRCTC says no guidelines mandating Halal certification for meals served on trains

New Delhi: Amid social media debate on only Halal-processed meat being used in non-vegetarian meals served on trains, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), on Thursday clarified that there are no guidelines mandating Halal certification for meals served on trains.

“IRCTC serves Non-Vegetarian Food (Chicken) conforming to standards laid down in Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and additions and alterations thereto from time to time” the statement from the company said.

The IRCTC which provides catering service in railways said that, " there are no such guidelines mandating that meals served in trains must be Halal certified."

"Indian Railways follows the standards set by the Government. The catering licensees and vendors are required to comply with the standards prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). IRCTC also abides by all instructions and guidelines issued by Railways on this subject, along with ensuring full FSSAI compliance across all catering services, " the statement said.

The company said it had earlier responded to similar queries by saying that non-vegetarian food—mainly chicken—is served according to standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with any subsequent amendments.

IRCTC has issued this statement to put to rest the rumour of the public that there is no such policy to be followed exclusively regarding Halal-processed meat in the meals served on trains.

The controversy, which came into the limelight on social media back in July 2023, has resurfaced after recent reports claimed that NHRC had issued a notice to the Railways on a complaint regarding the use of Halal-certified meat in on-board meals.