Tejas Express food poisoning case: Show-cause notice served on catering contractor

Indian Railway PRO Anil Saxena on Sunday informed that a show-cause notice has been served on the catering contractor of Tejas Express---train running between Goa and Mumbai---after 24 passengers fell ill due to food poisoning.

He further said that strict action will be taken against catering contractor if found guilty.

"In Train no 22120 a case of food poisoning was reported while on run between Karmali and CSTM. A show cause notice has been served on the catering contractor and strict action is contemplated if found guilty. As reported by hospital no patient is in serious condition. Enquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause," Saxena told ANI.

At least 230 passengers were served breakfast on board. Initially, a group of seven passengers complained of nausea and were attended by on board supervisor. Meanwhile, two groups of passengers also complained for same. A passenger on board who is a doctor attended them.

The train was given an out of course halt at Chiplun where a railway doctor attended the ailing passengers.

The kitchen, where the food was prepared, was inspected by area officer Madgaon after the incident and samples lifted for testing.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) had earlier said in an official statement that 24 passengers were admitted at Lifecare Hospital in Chiplun, Maharashtra where they were given medical treatment.

The IRCTC also said that a probe has been launched to ascertain the source of food poisoning.