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

Samantha Bomkamp, AP Airlines Writer, On Thursday July 1, 2010, 1:21 pm

NEW YORK (AP) -- 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.