MUMBAI, July 31 -- Days after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intensified inspections of food establishments, Indian Railways has launched its own crackdown on unhygienic food stalls and canteens at railway stations. A major action was taken on Thursday when Central Railway (CR) sealed a food stall at Thane station. The action was taken after the inspectors found a rat in the food stall allegedly munching on vegetables. Sources said the multi-purpose stall, located inside the commuters' waiting room, would be shut for seven days after the inspection revealed serious lapses in hygiene. "A rat was found in the cooking area," confirmed a CR official. "We are now going to begin a wider drive encompassing food stalls, canteens and catering units at stations across the Mumbai suburban network." "The staff verified the complaint and initiated disciplinary action against the contractor operating the outlet," said a CR official. "The stall has been sealed for seven days and a penalty of Rs.15,000 has been imposed on the contractor. We have adopted a "zero-tolerance approach" towards unhygienic conditions in catering and commercial establishments operating on railway premises." The action comes amid increasing scrutiny of food safety standards after the FDA recently stepped up inspections at eateries and catering establishments across Maharashtra. Railway officials said they would now intensify checks at licensed stalls, and contractors found violating the prescribed norms could face penalties....