More than 200 Delta Air Lines flights departing from Detroit Metropolitan Airport had their meal services suspended after a routine inspection discovered a “food safety issue” in the catering facility. Passengers travelling in Delta One, the airline’s premium travel experience, or First Class on select coast-to-coast flights, as well as all passengers on international flights, typically receive a hot meal while onboard a Delta flight.
The decision to halt the catering service was made after Delta was informed of a “food safety issue” during a routine check of the Detroit facility. A Delta spokesperson mentioned, “During a recent inspection at a DTW [Detroit Metropolitan Airport] kitchen, Delta’s catering partner was notified of a food safety issue within the facility.” Consequently, Delta and its catering partner immediately ceased hot food production and suspended all operations from the facility. Hot food and other onboard provisioning will be managed from alternative facilities.
Emphasising safety as their top priority, Delta assured passengers that necessary precautions would be taken to ensure food safety. The airline also apologised to affected customers for any inconvenience caused to their travel experience. The specific details of the food safety issue discovered at the catering facility remain unidentified, as it is “yet to be officially determined,” a Delta spokesperson revealed.
Despite the situation, no reports of employee or customer illnesses were received, and Delta compensated affected customers who did not receive a hot meal with travel vouchers or frequent flyer miles. This incident occurred following a previous food mishap on a Delta flight departing from Detroit, where an emergency landing had to be made in New York due to a “spoiled” in-flight meal service involving a mouldy chicken dish.
While the FDA is aware of the recent developments, they refrain from discussing ongoing investigations. A spokesperson for the FDA reiterated the commitment to work with state partners to ensure food safety, highlighting the shared responsibility among various entities in the food production and distribution chain. For more travel news and advice, stay informed with Simon Calder’s podcast.