Kochi: CPI(M) MP John Brittas shared a video on his X handle showing visuals of a railway catering staff member carrying tea bags in his jeans pocket, instead of in proper packaging.
The complainant, PV Dinesh, who is a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, is heard questioning the unhygienic behaviour of the staff, asking him why such a practice is followed, to which he replies, "We are given it like this; even if I wear an apron, it will have to be stored in its pocket as well".
Hope Hon'ble Rail Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw will look into this. Today on the Mangala 'SF' Express (12617), catering staff were seen carrying tea bags in their pants pockets before serving passengers, which unfortunately appears to be a regular phenomenon. The video was shot by the complainant, Supreme Court lawyer @pvdinesh , highlighting the urgent need to strictly enforce standard FSSAI protocols for passenger health.@RailMinIndia
— John Brittas (@JohnBrittas) October 23, 2026
The incident took place in the Mangala Lakshadweep SF Express (12617), which runs daily from Ernakulam to New Delhi.
Brittas urged Rail Minister Ashwini Yadav to look into the incident, urging the enforcement of stricter FSSAI protocols in train pantry services.
