Looks like Delta passengers flying out of Detroit might want to pack a snack—because the in-flight meal situation is less than appetizing. After the FDA discovered a “food safety issue” during a routine inspection of Delta’s catering facilities, the airline shut down its food service at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, leading to the cancellation of in-flight meal service on more than 200 flights.
While Delta has been tight-lipped about the exact nature of the violations, one thing is clear: something in the kitchen wasn’t up to par. The airline says it “voluntarily” closed the facility following the FDA’s findings, promising to revamp how they prepare both hot and cold meals before service returns to normal. That’s corporate speak for “we had to shut it down fast before things got worse.”
New: thousands of airline passengers out of @DTWeetin go hungry, after caterer reportedly fails federal food inspection. #delta passengers were sent this message after the kitchen was shut down. 200+ flights impacted. @WWJ950 pic.twitter.com/UY7vQyNy48
— Jonathan Carlson (@TVreporter) October 14, 2024
Delta’s catering partner in Detroit, Do&Co, was at the center of the shutdown, but the airline is keeping mum about what exactly inspectors found. We won’t know the gory details until the FDA’s report is released in the coming weeks, but based on Delta’s history with food safety (or lack thereof), it’s not looking great. You’d think after moldy chicken caused an emergency landing just a few months ago, they’d have tightened things up. But here we are again.
Delta cancels meal service on hundreds of flights after FDA flags ‘food safety issue’ https://t.co/5Db4Cg3M4X pic.twitter.com/RIHgBsVtzM
— New York Post (@nypost) October 15, 2024
Speaking of that July incident, passengers on a flight from Detroit to Amsterdam were treated to mold-covered chicken that was so rancid it led to an emergency landing at JFK. Black mold, according to some photos taken by horrified passengers and flight attendants, was growing on the chicken. Medics had to assist 14 passengers and 10 crew members after the flight diverted—because nothing says “luxury air travel” like medical teams waiting for you on the tarmac after you’ve downed moldy food.
One unlucky passenger, Nancy Kirchoff, was on that Amsterdam flight when the chaos ensued. She told DailyMail.com that the pilots admitted to eating the same moldy chicken. Talk about a close call! At least someone in charge realized that diverting the flight was better than continuing on while half the passengers turned green.
Back to the current situation: Delta is scrambling to compensate passengers who were hoping for more than a sandwich and a side of airline drama. Passengers on Monday’s affected flights got sandwiches from Panera Bread (so much for gourmet dining) and a whopping 2,500 SkyMiles as compensation. That’s barely enough for a domestic flight upgrade, but I guess it’s better than nothing.
Delta promises to manage hot food and provisioning from other facilities, but after two major food safety scares in less than a year, it’s hard not to be skeptical. Maybe it’s time Delta reevaluated its catering game—because when moldy chicken and kitchen closures start making headlines, “Delta dining” doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
