NY Senator Schumer wants tougher fines, up to $50K, for filthy kitchens making airline food

NY Sen: tougher fines for filthy airline kitchens

NEW YORK — U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) is pushing for stiffer fines against companies that prepare airline food in unsanitary conditions.

Pointing to repeated health code violations by three major airline caterers, Schumer wants to fine airline kitchens up to $50,000 per violation. Currently, fines are $1,000 per violation

Schumer also wants to prohibit the caterers from operating at any U.S. airport if there is a pattern of offenses.

The FDA has cited LSG Sky Chefs, Gate Gourmet and Flying Food Group for having poor sanitary conditions in their kitchens, including reported sightings of mice, roaches and listeria.

Last year, these three caterers provided meals to 675 million airline passengers.