DETROIT- Atlanta-based carrier, Delta Air Lines (DL) suspends hot meal service on over 200 flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) due to a food safety issue at its catering facility.
The airline halted operations at the affected kitchen and will now source hot meals from alternative facilities.
Delta Pauses Hot Meal from Detroit
Delta announced the decision on Sunday following a recent inspection that alerted its catering partner to a food safety problem at the Detroit kitchen. The company immediately shut down hot food production and suspended all activity from the facility.
In a Friday message to flight crews, Delta cited an “unforeseen supply chain issue” preventing the loading of first-class meals. To compensate, the airline stocked additional snacks on affected flights.
Delta reports no illnesses among customers or employees related to the food safety concern. The airline is offering travel vouchers or frequent flyer miles as compensation to passengers affected by the meal service disruption.
Note: Earlier we used a reference image showing LSG Sky Chefs catering truck. However, we have been told that LSG Sky Chefs does not have operations at DTW. We apologize to them and have corrected the reference images. Thanks for correcting us.
Further, we came to know from some people in Detroit that Delta caterer at DTW is a European company DO&CO Company. However, we will wait for official confirmation.
Lawsuit for Spilling Hot Coffee
Delta Air Lines faces a lawsuit from a Washington woman who alleges severe burns from a coffee spill on a Paris (CDG) flight. Cheryl Myers filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, claiming first- and second-degree burns.
Myers accuses Delta’s flight crew of dismissing her concerns and delaying medical care, exacerbating her injuries. The lawsuit alleges the airline failed to follow medical emergency protocols.
Mark Lindquist, Myers’ attorney, states, “This coffee was excessively hot, way beyond industry standards. Even the E.R. doctor was shocked that coffee this hot was served on an airplane.”
Myers, a flight attendant for another airline, describes the coffee as “boiling.” The lawsuit contends Delta’s failure to provide proper medical care or seek immediate medical assistance contributed to the severity of her burns.
This incident follows a July event where a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam (AMS) diverted to New York JFK due to reports of spoiled chicken. The airline subsequently restricted meal options to pasta-only on certain flights for several days.
Also Read, Delta Air Lines Deploys CRJ-550 to Detroit Hub
JetBlue Hot Meals Cut but Different Reasons
JetBlue Airways (B6) announced the discontinuation of hot meals in economy class on transatlantic flights starting October 1, 2024. This decision forms part of the airline’s broader cost-cutting strategy to enhance profitability.
The move coincides with JetBlue’s recent reduction in flight attendant staffing on select transatlantic routes. These staffing cuts have already impacted the airline’s premium Mint service, as the reduced crew numbers no longer meet FAA requirements for operating business class suites with closable doors.
Industry analysts suggest the shift to cold meals serves dual purposes. Cold meals generally cost less to produce and store, potentially reducing operational expenses. Additionally, this change may help manage the increased workload for the reduced flight crew.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
