New York, NY – After a Delta Airlines flight from Detroit to Amsterdam made an emergency landing at JFK International Airport due to contaminated food causing illness among passengers, the airline has made a significant change in its meal service for many international flights. According to sources, approximately 70 individuals fell ill from the tainted food that was found to contain black mold.
In response to the incident, Delta Airlines has decided to serve only pasta for a significant number of its international flights. This comes after a series of troubling incidents involving Delta flights, including an episode last winter where maggots reportedly fell onto passengers during a flight. The recent decision to switch to pasta-only meals affects around 75 international flights on Wednesday and a similar number on Thursday.
In light of the food safety concerns raised by this incident, Delta Airlines spokesperson stated that the change in meal service was made as a precautionary measure. The airline is taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers in response to the recent food contamination issue.
The prevalence of foodborne illnesses on airplanes is a point of concern, with a 2007 research paper highlighting the challenges of estimating the true burden of disease in such incidents. Inspections of airline caterers by the Food and Drug Administration have revealed safety concerns, yet penalties for violations are rarely imposed.
Environmental health experts have criticized the lack of stringent regulations for airline caterers, pointing out potential risks posed by lapses in food safety standards. Gate Gourmet, a catering company serving airlines like Delta, is reportedly facing a possible strike at the end of the month, which could impact meal services for passengers in the near future.
As discussions around airline food safety and regulations continue, passengers are advised to stay informed about the measures being taken to address these concerns and ensure the safety of in-flight meals. Airlines and catering companies are under scrutiny to prioritize food safety and implement stricter protocols to prevent incidents like the recent food contamination on Delta Airlines flights.