Allergy After Train Food, IRCTC Says Meal Was OK
A recent incident involving food served on the Vande Bharat Express has raised concerns about passenger safety and food allergies. The case has drawn public attention after a traveller reported a serious health reaction shortly after consuming a meal onboard.
What Happened on the Train
The passenger, Ayushi Singh, was travelling from Varanasi to Deoghar on March 27 when she ate lunch provided during the journey. Within a short time, she began to notice swelling on her face and lips, along with discomfort.
According to her account shared online, the symptoms progressed quickly. She later consulted a doctor, who advised that the reaction could have become life threatening if treatment had been delayed.
At the same time, her two year old son reportedly developed diarrhoea after eating the same meal. This added to her concern about the safety of the onboard food.
Medical Perspective on Food Allergic Reactions
Food-related allergic reactions can vary from mild irritation to severe conditions such as anaphylaxis. Common symptoms include swelling of the lips, face, or throat, skin rashes, and digestive issues.
In this case, the visible swelling suggests a possible acute allergic response. Such reactions may occur due to specific ingredients, cross contamination, or individual sensitivity. Notably, even properly prepared food can trigger allergies in certain individuals.
Early medical intervention is crucial. Doctors often recommend antihistamines or emergency care depending on severity.
IRCTC Responds to the Allegation
Following the complaint, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation conducted an internal review. The agency stated that the meal served in Coach E1 on that train was inspected and found to be satisfactory.
Officials also pointed out that no other passengers reported illness or food related concerns on the same day. Based on this, they maintained that the food quality and hygiene met required standards.
Passenger Stands by Her Claim
Despite the official response, the passenger maintained that both she and her child fell ill after consuming only the train food. She emphasized that the absence of other complaints does not rule out individual adverse reactions.
Her response reflects a broader concern many travellers share about accountability and food safety, especially in enclosed travel environments.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online. While some users support the railway authorities, others have raised questions about ingredient transparency, allergen labeling, and emergency preparedness onboard premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express.
Why This Matters for Travellers
This Vande Bharat Express food allergy case highlights an important public health issue. Even when food passes quality checks, individual reactions can still occur.
Passengers with known allergies should take precautions such as:
- Carrying essential medication
- Asking about ingredients when possible
- Avoiding unfamiliar foods during travel
At the same time, transport services can improve by providing clearer food information and ensuring quick medical assistance when needed.
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Express food allergy incident underlines the gap between general food safety standards and individual health risks. While authorities confirmed that the meal met hygiene norms, the passenger’s experience shows that personal health responses can differ significantly.
As train travel continues to modernize, addressing such concerns will be key to ensuring both safety and trust among passengers.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 2 April 2026
- 20:00
