Delta Airlines suspended meal service on more than 200 flights from Detroit Metro Airport after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered a “food safety issue” at a catering facility. The airline acted quickly after an FDA inspection at its catering partner’s kitchen last Friday revealed potential risks, prompting an immediate halt in meal production.
While Delta has not detailed the specific problem, it confirmed that both hot and cold meal service were affected. Passengers flying between Friday and Sunday were denied in-flight meals, although the airline emphasized that no one — employees or passengers — became ill as a result of the issue.
Delta stated that hot food service will be managed from other locations as they work to restore meal offerings. The airline also reassured customers that it will continue to take every precaution to ensure food safety on future flights.
Passengers affected by the lack of meals received compensation in the form of travel vouchers or frequent flyer miles. Delta’s hot meal service is available to passengers on international long-haul flights and select domestic routes for first-class or Delta One passengers.
This recent disruption follows a similar incident earlier this year when a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam had to make an emergency landing after passengers were served moldy chicken. In that case, dozens of passengers fell ill, forcing the plane to divert to New York’s JFK Airport.
With its latest catering issue under review, Delta is working closely with the FDA to resolve the matter and prevent further problems. The airline remains focused on ensuring the safety and comfort of its passengers as meal service resumes from alternative kitchens.
