Reports of green mold on dishes, live maggots, flies, and cockroaches have surfaced from an Inglewood facility where in-flight meals are prepared for major airlines at Los Angeles International Airport. These disturbing findings, captured in photos and videos, were submitted to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) by workers representing Unite Here Local 11, a union for hotel and airport workers.
The allegations claim Flying Food Group, the catering company in charge, exposed workers to significant health hazards and unsanitary conditions while preparing meals for airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and Air New Zealand. The company has countered these accusations, stating the images are not an accurate reflection of the conditions and were manipulated or staged. Flying Food Group emphasizes its commitment to food safety and sanitation, promising full cooperation in any regulatory review.
“We stand firmly behind our food safety and sanitation standards and will cooperate fully with any regulatory review,” Flying Food Group stated.
A complaint by Sonia Cerón, an employee of eight years at the facility, highlights an incident where she was instructed to clean a cart filled with moldy dishes. The cart was reportedly left unopened for an extended period, resulting in decomposing food and a foul odor. Despite her suggestion to dispose of the dishes, a supervisor insisted they were necessary for an upcoming flight. Cerón experienced health symptoms like stomach pain, headaches, and nasal irritation due to inhaling mold, as per the union’s complaint. It alleges the company failed to provide protective equipment to mitigate airborne risks.
Flying Food Group, headquartered in Chicago, operates catering facilities at major airports across the country, with one of the largest in Inglewood. Unite Here Local 11 has previously raised multiple complaints involving wage and health issues, indicating ongoing union disputes. Past accusations include obstructing union activities and locking emergency exits, leading to a $11,000 Cal/OSHA citation in 2023. The company has faced labor complaints from the National Labor Relations Board, which concluded unlawful practices such as interrogating and intimidating employees involved in union activities.
Further claims have emerged of sexual harassment against women by a supervisor at the facility and retaliatory actions for speaking out. These cases are pending with the California Civil Rights Department. Flying Food Group disputes these allegations and has terminated the supervisor after conducting an investigation.
In recent developments, Flying Food Group settled a class action lawsuit in February 2025 for wage violations, amounting to $510,000, along with its subcontractors paying $230,000 in back-pay. The company’s workforce has been unionized since 2016, with contract negotiations stalling since 2022.
A review was prompted earlier this year when a fire at the facility sparked worker testimony at city council meetings, igniting scrutiny from the Los Angeles World Airports, governing LAX and Van Nuys Airport. Reports suggest doors were chained shut, preventing workers from fleeing during the fire, resulting in a Cal/OSHA-issued $18,000 fine for safety violations. Flying Food Group appealed the decision.
A broader investigation into the company by LAWA was initiated in February, questioning Flying Food Group’s compliance with labor laws and its responsible stewardship. Despite potential allegations against Flying Food Group, LAWA has extended their operating license along with other vendors for six months without marking them at risk. LAWA’s investigation status remains undisclosed.
Airport operations face scrutiny related to contracts and logistical issues, including challenges with the electric “people mover” train aimed at reducing airport traffic ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
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