Maggots and cockroaches seen at airline catering facility, staff say

Workers at LAX Catering Hub Report Pest Infestation and Unsafe Conditions

Activelifezero.com – Employees at a major airline catering operation situated adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport have formally lodged a workplace safety complaint, citing exposure to pests and unsanitary conditions during meal preparation. The allegations center on Flying Food Group’s Inglewood facility, where staff members describe encountering maggots, cockroaches, and mold while handling food destined for commercial flights.

Flying Food Group operates nineteen catering locations throughout the United States and produces approximately 120 million meals each year for more than seventy-five different airlines. This latest grievance adds to a growing list of concerns raised against the company’s Los Angeles operations over recent months.

The Dish Cart Incident

According to the formal complaint, a significant problem emerged in late June 2026 when an employee received instructions to open airline dish carts that had remained sealed inside the facility for an extended duration. Upon opening these containers, the worker discovered food items that appeared to be decomposing and covered with visible mold, maggots, and flies.

The employee reportedly recommended that the contaminated dishes be discarded immediately. Instead, her supervisor directed her to clean and reuse the dishes for an upcoming flight. The worker further stated that she was not provided with a mask or respirator to protect herself while handling the unpleasant material.

Widespread Pest Concerns

The complaint outlines additional observations made by workers within the facility, which prepares thousands of meals daily for airlines operating at LAX. Staff members have reported seeing what they believe to be cockroaches and other pests in food preparation zones and near airline food carts.

Another allegation addresses bathroom and handwashing station conditions, claiming these areas frequently lacked sufficient soap or paper towels. This shortage reportedly forced employees to leave their workstations to find supplies before returning to continue food preparation duties.

Maria Hernandez, press secretary for UNITE HERE Local 11, the hospitality worker labor union that raised the safety complaint on behalf of employees, stated: “Workers are incredibly frustrated.”

Hernandez told CNN that union members “find it shocking that these kinds of conditions have occurred at a facility that has a special license from the City of LA to operate at LAX and supplies some of the world’s biggest airlines.”

Regulatory Investigation Underway

The labor union has compiled photographs, videos, and worker testimony to submit to Cal/OSHA, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Union representatives are actively urging state inspectors to conduct a thorough investigation into the facility’s conditions.

The complaint also highlights dangerously elevated temperatures within the facility’s dish room, where dishes undergo sanitization. Additionally, it references Flying Food Group’s LAX operations’ extensive history of alleged safety violations.

Most recently, in May 2026, Cal/OSHA issued the company six citations following an incident during a fire in January 2026 when two workers were reportedly found locked inside a cold storage room that had been chained from the outside.

“Flying Food Group workers have spoken at the Board of Airport Commissioners about labor abuses on no fewer than 50 occasions, and yet the airport leadership has not taken meaningful action,” Hernandez claims.

Official Responses and Industry Implications

When contacted regarding these allegations, Flying Food Group issued a statement: “We are aware of the allegations that have been made regarding conditions at our facility.” The company added, “We are conducting a thorough review of the allegations and are cooperating with the appropriate regulatory authorities.”

Los Angeles World Airports, which oversees LAX operations, provided a similar response: “Because this is a matter before Cal/OSHA, LAWA is not in a position to comment on the case.”

In February 2026, the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement regarding Flying Food Group, saying, “Mayor Bass takes the allegations about this airport contractor seriously and is engaged with UNITE HERE Local 11 and Los Angeles World Airports to make sure they are appropriately investigated and addressed.”

The situation has drawn attention to broader concerns about food safety standards at major airport catering facilities. With millions of passengers relying on airline meals daily, any compromise in food preparation conditions could have significant implications for public health and airline reputation. The ongoing Cal/OSHA investigation will likely determine whether additional enforcement actions or facility improvements are necessary to address the reported issues.