UPDATE: London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has confirmed the dismissal of employee Peter Duffy following serious allegations involving food hygiene violations. This urgent news comes after reports surfaced that Duffy served sausage rolls he allegedly retrieved from a bin to first-class passengers.
On May 7, 2023, during an LNER service departing York, two first-class passengers requested sausage rolls. A colleague reported overhearing laughter from the kitchen just before the food was served and later noticed that the bin was empty, contradicting claims that the sausage rolls had been disposed of.
The whistleblower revealed, “The host who was cooking told us the sausage rolls had just gone in the bin.” Just moments later, a first-class host delivered the sausage rolls to passengers, raising immediate concerns about food safety.
CCTV footage reviewed by LNER indicated that Duffy had indeed taken food from the bin before reheating and plating it for service. Following these findings, Duffy and his colleague were suspended while an investigation was conducted into the alleged breach of hygiene standards.
At an investigatory meeting on May 17, 2023, Duffy defended his actions, claiming he was merely trying to serve customers who were left without food. “I clearly took them out as there were none left for people in first class,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to customer service. However, his colleague denied witnessing Duffy’s actions, attributing the laughter in the kitchen to a personal incident.
In July 2023, LNER concluded the investigation, finding Duffy guilty of gross misconduct and subsequently terminating his employment. Duffy later sought legal recourse, claiming unfair dismissal and discrimination at a tribunal in Newcastle in August 2025. However, both complaints were dismissed, with the tribunal judge asserting that LNER acted reasonably in their decision.
As food safety regulations continue to be a critical concern in the transport industry, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding hygiene standards. Duffy’s case has sparked discussions around employee rights and the implications of mental health in workplace misconduct.
The decision by LNER to act decisively showcases their commitment to passenger safety and regulatory compliance. Moving forward, the railway company is expected to reinforce its training protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Stay tuned for more developments on this unfolding story as the implications for customer service and food safety in the railway industry continue to be scrutinized.
