Centre plans strict actions on poor quality food served on flights

In response to mounting complaints about the substandard quality of food served during flights, preparations are underway to take decisive action. To this end, the food regulator has issued a comprehensive advisory to airlines, urging them to prioritize food quality and ensure transparent labeling of all food items provided to passengers.

Key Guidelines:

Airlines are mandated to disclose details regarding their flight kitchen and in-flight catering in their licensing agreements, with a specified headquarters address. Additionally, if airlines are sourcing food from external vendors under their own branding, they must notify the regulator.

The food regulator emphasizes the necessity of providing essential information on pre-packaged food items, including the caterer's name, FSSAI license number, packaging date and time, and expiry details.

Numerous complaints have surfaced in recent times regarding the poor quality of food and beverages served during flights. One notable incident involved the discovery of maggots in sandwiches served on an Indigo flight, which garnered widespread attention after a passenger shared a video of the ordeal on social media. Following this incident, the FSSAI issued a 'show cause notice' to IndiGo for serving what was deemed 'unsafe food' to the passenger.

In an effort to prevent such incidents and uphold food safety standards for passengers, the FSSAI is closely monitoring the entire in-flight food supply chain. Amidst observed irregularities, the food regulator has adopted a stringent approach, issuing clear guidelines to airlines to ensure the provision of safe and high-quality food during flights.