Photos of moldy dishes, maggots, flies, and cockroaches were sent to a state watchdog agency, highlighting unsanitary conditions at an Inglewood facility. This facility prepares in-flight meals for various airlines at Los Angeles International Airport. Unite Here Local 11 filed a complaint with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), accusing Flying Food Group of exposing workers to health hazards.
Flying Food Group denied these allegations, claiming the images were misleading. The union argued the facility was unsafe, servicing airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, Singapore Airlines, and others. Sonia Cerón, a worker there, described discovering moldy, decomposing food with live maggots in late June. Despite health issues, she was told the dishes were necessary for flights.
“We found dozens of dishes with decomposing, mold-covered food,” the complaint stated. Cerón suffered from stomach pain and a headache caused by inhaling mold.
Flying Food Group operates 19 facilities across the U.S. and has faced numerous union complaints involving wage and health issues. A $11,000 citation was issued in 2023 for obstructed emergency exits. The National Labor Relations Board in 2024 found the company blocked exits and intimidated employees regarding union activities. A settlement admitted the company violated labor law. Flying Food Group settled a wage violation lawsuit for $510,000 in February 2025.
Multiple sexual harassment complaints against a supervisor were reported, with investigations pending. Flying Food Group disputes these allegations but terminated the supervisor involved. LAWA stated Cal/OSHA handles health violations, and service providers must obey laws.
Union requests for investigations of the company have seen limited success. A fire at the facility in January drew scrutiny, prompting an airport review in February. Workers described escaping a locked cold storage room during the fire. Flying Food Group was fined $18,000 for failing to maintain an accessible door.
Flying Food Group must follow LAWA’s contractor responsibility program, ensuring legal compliance. Allegations questioned the company’s reliability and adherence to labor laws, affecting its five-year license renewal amid challenging times for the airport authority. Extensions were granted, but no status was marked regarding investigations.