Passenger questions ‘phulka’ heated in plastic packets on Vande Bharat, sparks food safety debate

Passenger expresses concern about hot phulka in plastic packets. (Image: @bansalavani/ X)

Food safety on Indian trains has come under scrutiny after a passenger raised questions about the way meals are served on premium services. During a journey on the Vande Bharat Express from Prayagraj (Allahabad) to New Delhi, the traveller alleged that rotis and kachoris were handed out hot while still in sealed plastic packets, which, she claimed, were not labelled for microwave use.

The passenger shared a video and a post on social media that quickly went viral, prompting public discussion about packaging, heating practices, and possible health risks. The claims have not been independently verified.

A woman shared video on X in which she asked a staff member if the rotis had been microwaved inside their sealed packets. The staffer acknowledged that the meals had been warmed in the packet, even though the packaging does not indicate it is microwave safe.

In her post, she wrote, “Travelling on Vande Bharat today (Allahabad → Delhi) and yesterday was travelling on Rajdhani (Delhi → Allahabad), I was served rotis/kachoris heated directly inside sealed plastic packaging. While at Rajdhani, I was hungry and so ate the hot Kachori almost instantly and then realised - wait, how can it be hot? Wasn’t it in a sealed packet? How could they heat the packet directly?”

She explained that the incident happened on both journeys and that she felt the need to ask because the “Halka Phulka” roti packet stated it should be stored in a cool, dry place, with no instructions regarding microwave or in-pack heating.

“Yet the packets are handed over visibly hot. Lakhs of passengers can verify this — the rotis are served warm with the plastic pack heated. The person in the train confirmed that rotis were being heated directly in the packet,” she added.

She also highlighted potential health risks associated with heating plastic that may not be designed for high temperatures.

The IRCTC responded to the social media post, saying, “Ma'am, our sincere apology for the inconvenience. Please DM your PNR and mobile number to enable us to address this.”

They later added, “Please share your PNR and mobile number to proceed with addressing your concerns. Your response will help us assist you promptly.”

The video and post received strong reactions from other travellers and social media users. Many expressed concern about hygiene and safety standards on premium trains.

One wrote, “This is serious health issue stuff. Thanks for bringing this up @bansalavani. Would request @AshwiniVaishnaw @IRCTCofficial teams to look into this safety aspect of all Indians & train your staff properly on food‑related hazards. They might be doing this without any knowledge as their intention is to just serve warm food.”

Another user said, “This is a serious health issue … no wonder Food safety is a joke in our country… @IRCTCofficial why are [you] asking personal details for a public concern… kindly clarify and rectify this.”

Public Health Issue Alert

Travelling on Vande Bharat today (Allahabad → Delhi) and yesterday was travelling on Rajdhani (Delhi → Allahabad), I was served rotis/kachoris heated directly inside sealed plastic packaging. While at Rajdhani, I was hungry and so ate the hot… pic.twitter.com/gIxM4U1d5N — Avani Bansal (@bansalavani) February 18, 2026

A further comment highlighted concerns about packaging certification, “If sealed food packs are being heated directly, the packaging must be specifically certified for in‑pack heating with proper migration testing. ‘Food grade’ does not automatically mean heat safe. A clear clarification from IRCTC and the vendor on packaging validation would help ensure passenger safety and maintain trust.”

Some noted that the packaging may be microwave safe, “It looks like the packet can be put in a microwave to heat. As the packet says it is PP5 which, I think, can be put in a microwave.”

Polypropylene plastics labelled PP5 can generally withstand microwaving if certified for it. However, repeated or high‑temperature heating may still carry a risk of chemical migration, and packaging without clear microwave guidance should not be assumed safe. Netizens urged that if meals are being heated in sealed packets, both vendors and IRCTC should provide clear guidance to passengers about safety and packaging standards.

Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content shared on social media. Moneycontrol has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.