Kerala Leads with 21 Railway Stations Recognized as ‘Eat Right Stations’
In a recent development, 114 railway stations across India have been honored with the prestigious ‘Eat Right Stations’ certification, and Kerala emerges as a frontrunner with 21 stations receiving this recognition. This certification underscores the commitment of these stations, including their catering establishments, to provide passengers with hygienic and healthy food options.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) grants certifications to railway stations that adhere to strict food storage and hygiene standards, and only one percent of the total 7349 railway stations in the country receive this distinction. Kerala, with a total of 199 stations, stands out with 21 stations achieving this coveted certification.
The primary goal is to ensure the availability of hygienic, nutritious, and safe food at railway stations. The certification confirms the implementation of safe procedures in handling and preparing food, encompassing catering establishments within the stations, including stalls.
Selection Criteria for Eat Right Stations:
To qualify for the certificate, stations are assessed on criteria such as water quality, cleanliness, sanitation, pest control, register maintenance, and food item inspection. This certification is part of the FSSAI-led Eat Right India campaign, specifically the Eat Right Railway Station initiative.
Under this initiative, all food vendors at railway stations, including organized catering units, restaurants, food courts, as well as small vendor kiosks, retail outlets, and booths, are required to adhere to safe cooking and handling practices. Stations excelling in providing healthy and safe food to passengers are bestowed with the ‘Eat Right Station’ certification, determined through an audit by an independent firm appointed by FSSAI, assigning a grade between one and five.
A 5-star rating signifies a station’s complete dedication to ensuring passengers have access to safe and hygienic meals. This accreditation is an integral part of the broader ‘Eat Right India’ initiative by FSSAI, aimed at transforming the nation’s food system to guarantee sustainable, safe, and nutritious meals for all citizens.
List of the 21 Recognized Railway Stations:
- Tiruchirappalli Railway Station
- Parapanangadi Railway Station
- Chalakkudy Railway Station
- Thalassery (TLY) Railway Station
- Kannur (Can) Railway Station
- Palakkad Junction Railway Station
- Chengannur Railway Station
- Shoranur Junction Railway Station
- Tirur Railway Station
- Vadakara Railway Station
- Changanasseri Railway Station
- Alappuzha Railway Station
- Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station
- Karunagappally Railway Station
- Angamali for Kaladi Railway Station
- Aluva Railway Station
- Tiruvalla Railway Junction
- Kottayam Railway Junction
- Thrissur Railway Station
- Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
- Kollam Railway Station
