Kannur: Kerala has achieved a notable position as the state with the highest number of ‘Eat Right’ certified railway stations across India, with 26 stations meeting the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This certification emphasizes a commitment to safe and hygienic food practices within the railway network. Nationwide, only 198 railway stations hold this certification, highlighting Kerala’s leadership in this field.
Recently, Cherthala, Punalur, and Kayamkulam stations were added to the list of certified stations. Back in December 2023, there were 114 certified stations across the country, which grew to 154 by June 2024, showing an encouraging trend in food safety initiatives. However, some previously certified stations have yet to renew their registrations, indicating that maintaining these standards requires continuous commitment.
The FSSAI certification involves a rigorous evaluation process that reviews several critical aspects such as the quality of drinking water, cleanliness, waste disposal, and the type of oils used in food preparation. Each certified station manages its catering units and food stalls according to these standards to ensure the quality and safety of food served to passengers.
Kerala’s certified railway stations include locations like Kasaragod, Kannur, Thalassery, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kottayam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram, among others. An agency appointed by FSSAI conducts the necessary assessments to ensure compliance. This initiative is part of a broader effort to prioritize public health and food safety in travel environments, with Kerala leading by example.
