Workers at an Inglewood facility responsible for preparing in-flight meals for major airlines have raised alarms over unsanitary conditions. Complaints filed with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) allege health risks, including moldy dishes, live maggots, and flies. Unite Here Local 11, representing hospitality and airport workers, claims the conditions are unsafe.
The facility caters to international airlines like Lufthansa and Air France. A union complaint describes an incident where dishes covered in decomposing, moldy food were discovered. Sonia Cerón, a dishwasher at the facility, details finding maggots and flies on dishes. Despite this, her supervisor insisted the dishes be cleaned for upcoming flights. Cerón reported experiencing health symptoms after exposure.
The Chicago-based Flying Food Group, which manages the facility, denies the allegations. They argue the union’s portrayal of conditions is misleading and stand by their sanitation standards. The company operates 19 catering facilities nationwide, with one of its largest in Inglewood.
Complaints against Flying Food Group date back years, accusing the company of union disruptions and unsafe practices. In 2023, issues involving exit blockages led to an $11,000 fine from Cal/OSHA. The National Labor Relations Board found the company violated labor laws by intimidating employees. Flying Food Group admitted to some violation as part of a settlement but denies other accusations.
Sexual harassment allegations against a supervisor in 2024 are pending with California Civil Rights Department. A supervisor accused of harassment was terminated after investigation. A $510,000 settlement was reached over wage violations in February 2025, following previous back-pay awards to workers.
Health and labor complaints have prompted scrutiny from the airport’s governing body, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which oversees LAX and Van Nuys Airport. A small fire at the facility earlier this year raised further concerns. Workers described locked exits and chaos during the fire, leading to an investigation and an $18,000 fine for safety violations.
Flying Food Group is subject to LAWA’s contract responsibility program, requiring compliance with labor laws. Despite ongoing investigations, LAWA extended Flying Food Group’s operating license by six months, with no indication of the company’s risk status. Flying Food Group asserts they maintain standards and have appealed fines.