Los Angeles, California — Airline catering workers at a facility serving Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) have filed a workplace safety complaint alleging they were exposed to maggots, mold, cockroaches, rotting food and excessive heat while preparing meals for airline passengers.
The complaint was submitted to Cal/OSHA on Aug. 5 by UNITE HERE Local 11 on behalf of employees at Flying Food Group, which prepares thousands of airline meals for international carriers operating from LAX.
Workers Describe Alleged Unsanitary Conditions
According to the complaint and a statement released by the union, employees have reported a range of alleged sanitation problems inside the catering facility.
One particularly concerning incident reportedly occurred in late June 2026, when a worker was instructed to open airline dish carts that had allegedly remained closed for an extended period.
The union said the employee discovered rotting food, what appeared to be mold, maggots and flies, accompanied by an overwhelming smell.
The worker reportedly suggested that the dishes should be discarded but was allegedly instructed by a supervisor to wash them because they were needed for an upcoming flight.
According to the complaint, the employee was not given a mask or respirator while handling the dishes and later experienced stomach pain, a headache and an unusual sensation in her nose.
Employees Also Raise Concerns About Heat
The complaint alleges that sanitation isn’t the only issue workers have experienced.
Employees reportedly described the facility’s dish room as extremely hot and humid, with one worker comparing the conditions to “being in a sauna.”
According to the union, employees have complained of fatigue, dehydration and headaches, while another worker allegedly nearly fainted because of the heat.
The union said management has been made aware of the concerns but that workers have not seen an effective solution.
The complaint also alleges that mold was growing on the dish room ceiling.
Cockroaches and Food Storage Also Allegedly Cited
Workers reportedly told the union they had seen cockroaches and other vermin around the facility, including near airline food carts and food preparation areas.
Other allegations involve basic hygiene supplies. Employees claimed that certain bathrooms and handwashing stations have sometimes lacked adequate soap and paper towels.
The complaint further alleges that food provided to employees has included expired or stale bread, food contaminated by debris and improperly stored food.
Workers also cited concerns about overcrowding in kitchen and storage areas, overcrowded restrooms, slipping hazards and inadequate protective equipment for handling dry ice.
Union Calls for Immediate Investigation
UNITE HERE Local 11 said the collection of allegations demonstrates that Flying Food Group may not have an effective workplace injury and illness prevention program required under California law.
The union filed the complaint specifically to ask state inspectors to investigate the reported conditions.
The union’s representatives said workers who prepare food consumed by airline passengers should not have to work around alleged maggots, cockroaches, mold and rotting food.
The organization also alleged that Flying Food Group has previously faced safety issues at its LAX operation.
According to the union, Cal/OSHA issued six citations in May 2026.
The union also alleged that in January 2026, two workers were found inside a cooler room after its entrance door had allegedly been chained shut from the outside during a fire.
Flying Food Group Denies the Allegations
Flying Food Group has strongly rejected the claims.
In a statement, the company said it “categorically reject[s] the false and misleading narrative” surrounding the Cal/OSHA complaint and maintained that the filing does not accurately describe conditions at its facility.
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The company said it stands behind its food safety and sanitation standards and will cooperate with any regulatory review.
Flying Food Group also disputed photographs included with the union’s complaint, alleging they were staged, manipulated, taken out of context or otherwise presented in a misleading manner.
The complaint comes amid a broader labor dispute between Flying Food Group and UNITE HERE Local 11, with the union saying negotiations have been ongoing since 2022.
In February, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said her office was taking the allegations seriously and working with the union and Los Angeles World Airports to ensure they were investigated and addressed.
Meanwhile, the union said Flying Food Group’s license to operate at LAX was recently extended for six months through the end of 2026.
The allegations remain subject to regulatory review, and no findings from the latest complaint have been established.
What do you think about the allegations raised by these airline catering workers? Should facilities preparing meals for airline passengers face stricter sanitation inspections? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
