Schumer calls for stricter regulations on airline caterers

The Food and Drug Administration is being asked to increase its monitoring of airline caterers, according to a USA Today report.

The news agency recently published a report exposing the unsanitary and unsafe conditions in which most meals served on airlines are made. New York Sen. Charles Schumer has since asked the FDA to investigate these claims and put stricter regulations on the makers of these meals.

USA Today examined FDA inspection reports at three major airline caterers: LSG Sky Chefs, Gate Gourmet and Flying Food Group.

During inspections, investigators found food stored at improper temperatures, dirty equipment and employees who practiced poor hygiene. At some locations, FDA officias found cockroaches, flies, mice and other pests.

LSG Sky Chefs was warned in December 2009 following an inspection. Investigators found cockroaches and cockroach bodies in amounts “too numerous to count.” Alone, that caterer provides more than 405 million meals to air travelers worldwide. That’s more than a million meals per day.

Schumer’s call to action may take some time to implement. The FDA still must act on the published report. It could issue warning letters to the three caterers, forcing them to change the bad practices. Caterers would then have 15 days to make corrections, or could face more serious consequences.