Bin-Food Scandal on LNER First-Class Train

First-class passengers on a UK train service were allegedly served sausage rolls that had been retrieved from a bin, according to evidence heard at an employment tribunal.

The incident involved a former crew member of London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Peter Duffy, who was accused of breaching food hygiene rules while working on board a service departing from York on 7 May 2023.

The tribunal heard that two first-class passengers had requested sausage rolls during the journey. A fellow crew member later reported that the kitchen host had stated the sausage rolls had already been thrown away. Shortly afterwards, laughter was allegedly heard coming from the onboard kitchen, raising concerns among staff.

Moments later, sausage rolls were served to first-class passengers. When another staff member later checked the kitchen bin, it was reportedly empty, despite being told earlier that the food had been disposed of.

CCTV Evidence and Investigation

According to tribunal findings, CCTV footage appeared to show Mr Duffy retrieving food items from a bin, plating them, reheating them, and then passing them to a colleague who served the food to customers.

Both Mr Duffy and the colleague were suspended while LNER conducted an internal investigation into a potential food hygiene breach.

At an investigatory meeting held on 17 May 2023, Mr Duffy admitted taking the sausage rolls, stating that they had been wrapped in foil and that he was trying to “go over and beyond for the customer.” He cited work-related stress, anxiety, and depression, adding that his intentions were customer-focused rather than malicious.

A union representative later claimed Mr Duffy had experienced transient global amnesia, a temporary memory loss condition, on the day of the incident. However, the tribunal rejected this argument.

Tribunal Decision and Dismissal

Mr Duffy was dismissed for gross misconduct in July 2023. He subsequently brought claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination at an employment tribunal in Newcastle in August 2025.

In a written judgment published this week, the tribunal ruled that LNER had acted reasonably and lawfully in dismissing him. The judge concluded that the misconduct did not arise as a consequence of any disability and that serving food retrieved from a bin represented a serious breach of hygiene and safety standards.

Both of Mr Duffy’s claims were dismissed in full.

Food Safety Standards Upheld

The case highlights the strict food safety obligations placed on transport operators and their staff. The tribunal emphasized that actions compromising passenger health and safety, regardless of intent, can justify summary dismissal.