Employees at Flying Food Group’s Inglewood facility near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) have filed a workplace safety complaint alleging disturbing conditions, including maggots, cockroaches, mold and other vermin.
The facility prepares millions of in-flight meals for major international airlines. According to the complaint filed with California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), workers allegedly discovered decomposing food, mold, maggots and flies inside airline meal carts that had reportedly remained unopened for an extended period.
One employee claimed she was instructed to clean and reuse dishes from the affected carts without being provided appropriate respiratory protection. Workers also reportedly raised concerns about cockroaches near food preparation areas, inadequate supplies at handwashing stations and excessive heat in the dishwashing area.
Flying Food Group said it is aware of the allegations and is conducting a thorough review while cooperating with regulatory authorities. The company has not admitted wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been independently verified by Cal/OSHA.
The Inglewood facility reportedly serves numerous major international airlines, although there is no indication that contaminated food was served to passengers or that the airlines were aware of the alleged conditions.
