Unsanitary Preparation Conditions May Cause Food-Borne Illness

Airline food has never had much of a reputation, and it seems to only rarely be served any more, at least on most domestic flights. But the FDA has recently cited a number of airline catering facilities for unsanitary conditions over the last two years, according to government documents.

USA Today reports that LSG Sky Chefs and Gate Gourmet, two of the largest suppliers of food to airlines in the U.S., as well as Flying Food Group were inspected. The three provide more than 100 million meals each year to domestic and international airlines.

The FDA reported that they found food improperly stored, unclean equipment, and employees practicing poor hygiene. In some of the 91 kitchens operated by the three companies, inspectors found live roaches, flies, and other indications of poor pest control.

All three of the companies said they work hard to be sure food served on airlines is safe, and the airlines also insist that they carefully monitor food that goes onto the planes.

But a former Florida state food inspector told the paper that the conditions make food poisoning a very real possibility.

FMI: www.fda.gov