It is a common belief that airline food is bad, but just how bad is it? ABC's "20/20" performed an investigation of health violations given by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and found that there were some instances of bugs, mice and roaches found in areas where airline food is kept and on planes.
Through looking at the FDA records, "20/20" found that there were more than 1,500 health violations over the last four years. They found more significant problems among the industry than among other industries that they investigate.
In one instance, the FDA found mice evidence on Delta Airlines planes. Delta defended itself against the incident, saying "This clearly was an isolated incident and we cooperated with the FDA immediately to resolve it immediately after it was brought to our attention. The health and safety of Delta's customers and employees are Delta's top priority. We take this issue very seriously and have an established routine servicing program to inspect our aircraft."
Delta said that the records were the results of inspections in lavatory service trucks and aircraft potable water.
The records also showed problems with LSG Sky Chefs, a large airline food provider. Records showed that facilities contained ants crawling all over discarded food, dead and living flies, and even roaches.
Evidence of insects in a room shows that they're most likely in the food also, according to "20/20."
"You can't have insect remains and feces of rodents and dead flies [in these areas]," Roy Costa, a food-industry consultant and former health inspector, told 20/20.
LSG SkyChefs also released a statement, saying that the issues were addressed:
"Our facilities are inspected by several internal and external agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As with any FDA inspection, documented observations are indicated on a 483 form and if observations are cited at our facilities we immediately review and correct. In two cases, the FDA 483 forms led to the issuing of warning letters that were immediately addressed by us to ensure complete FDA compliance.
In the U.S., we cater tens of millions of meals per year that are subject to far more oversight than those served in other industries. Food safety and quality are our number one priority and our multi-layered quality control system has helped ensure the quality and safety of the meals we provide. These rigorous FDA inspections are one of many steps that assure the safety and quality of the meals we serve. All of our kitchens are FDA registered and are in compliance with the regulations."
Gate Gourmet, another airline food provider had roaches and gnats in their facilities. They also has unrefrigerated food, dirty utensils and mire.
Gate Gourmet also released a statement defending the findings. "None of the FDA's observations ... indicated a threat to the health of the traveling public," Gate Gourmet told 20/20.
That isn't necessarily true though. In 2011, a 73-year-old man died after eating bacteria-contaminated food on an American Airlines flight. The family claimed the food was to blame, but American said the death was not related to its food.
Those flying in first class, who are offered better food options, aren't safe from contamination.
"Fancy food isn't safe food. The bacteria really don't care," Costa told "20/20."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
