FBI investigates ‘food sabotage’ on Delta flight to US

17-Jul-2012 - Last updated on 18-Jul-2012 at 19:59 GMT

The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into suspected food sabotage

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a criminal investigation after an inch-long needle was discovered in an airline meal served on board a Delta Airlines flight from the Netherlands to Minneapolis.

Special agent Stephen Emmett told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “FBI Atlanta confirms that it has initiated a criminal investigation into the matter and will lead the criminal investigative efforts within the US and coordinate with the FBI's legal attaché abroad in Amsterdam.”

Sewing needles

In-flight caterer Gate Gourmet said in a statement: “On Sunday, July 15, 2012, Gate Gourmet received a report from a customer that foreign objects (later determined to be sewing needles) were discovered in six sandwiches on four flights inbound to the US from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.

“As one of the suppliers providing food-related services in Amsterdam to our customer, it is our top priority to assist in resolving this situation swiftly. Immediately upon receiving notice of the first reported incident from our customer, Gate Gourmet removed all sandwiches from future flights out of Amsterdam and launched a full internal investigation.”

Food safety and security were its “number one priority”, said Gate Gourmet.