Food safety concerns in aviation have been a critical focus following several recent incidents involving flight attendants and passengers. These cases highlight the importance of stringent safety protocols in catering services. Below, we explore three major incidents involving United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and a Tokyo-bound flight.
United Airlines: Food Poisoning at Denver Airport
Over 200 United Airlines (UA) flight attendants and other employees fell ill after consuming holiday meals distributed at Denver International Airport (DEN). The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) confirmed a direct link between the meals and food poisoning symptoms. The meals were provided during the Christmas holiday period.
Response Measures:
- Badge Scanning for Tracking: United Airlines utilized badge scanning during meal distribution, enabling precise identification of affected personnel.
- Reporting Protocols:
- Affected staff were directed to report illness-related absences directly to their supervisors and absence management teams.
- The union emphasized that these incidents should not be counted against Holiday Absence Certificates.
- Support for Penalties:
- Flight attendants penalized for attendance points were advised to request point removal immediately.
- The C9 Grievance & Discipline Committee provided assistance for disciplinary matters.
- Union Monitoring: Chris Bruton, C9 Local President, led the union’s response and continued advocating for affected employees’ rights.
Employees can report their issues at afanewsletters.org or through the helpline for additional support.
Delta Air Lines: Detroit Catering Shutdown
In October 2024, Delta Air Lines (DL) suspended hot meal services on over 200 flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport due to food safety concerns at a local catering facility.
Key Actions Taken:
- Inspection and Shutdown: Safety issues identified during an inspection prompted immediate suspension of the facility’s operations.
- Alternative Measures:
- Delta redirected catering to alternative facilities to ensure continuity.
- Snack provisions were increased on affected flights to maintain passenger satisfaction.
- Passenger Compensation: Impacted travelers were offered compensation through travel vouchers or frequent flyer miles.
- No Illnesses Reported: Despite the concerns, no passengers or staff reported illnesses related to the incident.
While Delta has not confirmed, sources suggest the catering facility in question was managed by the European company DO&CO.
Japan Airlines and United Airlines: Mass Illness on Tokyo Flights
In November 2024, 34 passengers on two flights arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport from Guam experienced severe vomiting symptoms. The incidents involved:
- Japan Airlines Flight 942: 16 affected passengers.
- United Airlines Flight 873: 18 affected passengers.
Key Developments:
- Affected Group: Many of the ill passengers were high school students returning from Guam to Japan.
- Hospitalizations: Fourteen passengers required hospitalization upon arrival in Tokyo.
- Investigation Findings:
- Japan Airlines ruled out inflight meals, as symptoms began before boarding.
- Officials are investigating a potential common source of contamination in Guam.
Chiba Prefecture health authorities and Narita Airport’s operations office are leading the investigation to assess public health risks.
These incidents emphasize the need for rigorous food safety measures in aviation. Airlines must continuously monitor catering services, ensure compliance with health standards, and respond promptly to emerging issues.
By implementing swift corrective actions and maintaining transparency, airlines can uphold passenger and employee trust.