Union alleges mold, maggots and roaches at LAX airline catering plant

UNITE HERE Local 11 submitted a formal safety complaint to Cal/OSHA alleging that Flying Food Group’s catering operation at Los Angeles International Airport is riddled with mold, maggots, flies and cockroaches. A worker who opened dish carts left idle since June 2026 described the food as decomposing and was instructed by a supervisor to wash the containers for an upcoming flight, after which she experienced stomach pain, headache and nasal irritation.

Employees also reported frequent sightings of vermin throughout food-preparation zones, changing rooms and the employee cafeteria, as well as recurring shortages of soap and paper towels at hand-washing stations. The dish room’s high temperature and humidity have been likened to a sauna, causing fatigue, dehydration and a near-fainting incident. The union has provided photos, video and testimony to Cal/OSHA and is urging an expedited on-site inspection. The City of Los Angeles, led by Mayor Karen Bass, has opened its own investigation into the contractor’s safety and labor practices.