Mumbai: CSMT Motorman Canteen Shut After ‘Not for Human Consumption’ Ghee Found in Food Preparation

Mumbai, 21st August 2026: A serious food safety lapse has come to light at the CSMT motorman lobby, where the canteen serving around 500 motormen and guards daily was found using a ghee product clearly labelled “Not for Human Consumption” while preparing food. Following the discovery, Central Railway ordered the immediate closure of the ‘Sai Cutters’ canteen.

The issue came to light during an inspection conducted by senior Central Railway officials at the canteen located in the motorman lobby at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The product found during the inspection reportedly carried clear instructions that it was not meant for human consumption and was intended for purposes such as religious worship, lighting lamps and performing havan.

According to the product label, the contents included cow ghee, vegetable oil, vegetable fat, colour and flavouring agents. Despite the warning on the container, the product was allegedly being used in the preparation of food served at the canteen.

The inspection was conducted by the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager. After the product was found, an inspection report was submitted to the Senior Divisional Operations Manager. Considering the seriousness of the matter, Central Railway subsequently ordered that the ‘Sai Cutters’ canteen be shut down immediately.

The incident has raised questions over the system followed by the canteen for procuring and checking raw materials used in food preparation.

The discovery has also raised concerns about how a product carrying an explicit warning against human consumption entered the kitchen and was used for preparing food.

Authorities may need to establish who procured the product, why it was brought into the CSMT motorman lobby canteen and how it came to be used in food preparation despite the warning printed on its container.

The CSMT motorman lobby is an important facility for Central Railway’s suburban train operations. Motormen and guards reporting for duty from the facility are responsible for operating trains safely, following signals, controlling speed and responding appropriately during emergencies.

With around 500 railway employees reportedly consuming breakfast and meals at the canteen every day, the incident has raised concerns about the potential impact of food quality lapses on the health and well-being of railway staff.

The closure of the canteen is likely to intensify scrutiny of food preparation and raw-material procurement practices at railway canteens. The incident also highlights the need for regular inspection of food products and strict compliance with food safety standards at facilities serving employees responsible for critical railway operations.