A passenger travelling on Vande Bharat Express from Allahabad to Delhi has raised concerns after claiming that rotis and kachoris were served hot despite arriving in sealed plastic packets.
Viral post questions heating method
In a post shared on X by user @bansalavani on February 18, the passenger is seen asking a staff member whether the rotis were microwaved inside the packet. According to the video, the staffer acknowledged that the packaging did not authorise microwave use and confirmed that the meals were warmed in the sealed packet.
The passenger pointed out that the packet carried only storage instructions and no indication that it was microwave-safe, raising questions about whether such packaging should be exposed to high temperatures.
Responding to the viral video, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) posted: “Ma’am, our sincere apology for the inconvenience. Please DM your PNR and mobile number to enable us to address this.”
Social media reactions
The issue triggered debate online. Some users supported the passenger’s concerns, while others argued that certain food-grade plastics can withstand heat unless specifically labelled otherwise.
A few commenters also questioned overall catering standards on premium trains and called for stricter monitoring of food safety practices.
What experts say about reheating plastic
Consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta explained that heating food in plastic containers that are not certified microwave-safe may increase the risk of chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols leaching into food. These substances are considered endocrine disruptors, and the risk rises when plastic is exposed to high temperatures.
Datta advised transferring food into glass or ceramic containers before reheating. She added that avoiding repeated exposure of unsuitable plastic to heat is a practical way to minimise potential long-term chemical intake.
The incident has renewed focus on food packaging standards and passenger safety in India’s expanding premium rail network.