FDA Warns Airline Food Supplier of “Provisional” Status

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to LSG SkyChefs, an airline catering company, to formally notify the company that its classification has been changed from “Approved” to “Provisional.” According to the December 10, 2009, letter, an FDA inspection revealed “significant deviations” from regulatory requirements, including insect infestations, standing water, debris accumulation, and swab samples that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The company’s food processing facility will be re-inspected in 30 days, and if the conditions have not improved, “then your facility will be classified as ‘Use Prohibited’ or ‘Not Approved.’ ”

FDA provided copies of its warning letter to the airlines that purchase food from SkyChefs; they will be unable to obtain food from the company if it fails the second inspection.