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Journalism of Courage
In a shocking incident that has raised concerns about food safety and hygiene practices in the aviation industry, a passenger on an Air India Bangalore-San Francisco flight recently made a disturbing discovery – a sharp blade-like object in their in-flight meal.
Taking to X, the passenger, Mathures Paul, wrote, “Air India food can cut like a knife. Hiding in its roasted sweet potato and fig chaat was a metal piece that looked like a blade. I got a feel of it only after chewing the grub for a few seconds. Thankfully, no harm was done.”
Paul, a journalist, continued, “Thankfully, no harm was done. Of course, the blame squarely lies with Air India’s catering service but the incident doesn’t help the image I have of Air India.”
The airline quickly initiated a probe after this. Air India chief customer experience officer Rajesh Dogra confirmed in a statement, “Air India confirms that a foreign object was found in the meal of a guest aboard one of our flights. After investigation, it has been identified as coming from the vegetable processing machine used at the facilities of our catering partner.”
While such incidences are rare, if foreign objects are accidentally consumed, these can have long-term implications for the human body.
Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, senior consultant surgical gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, says, “The incident involving the discovery of a blade in a meal served on an Air India flight highlights the critical need for stringent food safety measures and regular audits. While these services follow strict protocols, lapses can still occur due to various factors.”
He says that understanding the health risks associated with ingesting foreign objects and knowing the steps to take in such situations are also crucial for passenger safety.
Airline catering services implement stringent protocols to ensure meal safety. “Meals undergo multiple inspections and screenings with metal detectors to detect foreign objects. Surveillance systems monitor food preparation,” says Dr Srinivasan.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems are in place to identify and control potential hazards. Regular training on hygiene and safety standards is also carried out, along with protocol reviews and updates, usually annually or biannually.
Despite these measures, Dr Srinivasan agrees that lapses can occur due to human error, equipment failure, or non-compliance. “For instance, an employee might accidentally drop a small object into the food, or a metal detector might fail to detect it if improperly calibrated. Regular audits are supposed to catch these issues, but they can occasionally be missed, leading to incidents like the one reported.”
Ingesting foreign objects such as blades, glass, or plastic poses significant health risks. Dr Srinivasan elaborates, “Sharp objects can cause lacerations in the mouth, throat, esophagus, or gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding, infections, and potentially life-threatening complications. On the other hand, ingesting plastic may cause choking, blockages in the digestive tract, or release harmful chemicals.”
He says that immediate symptoms to watch for include severe pain in the throat or abdomen, difficulty swallowing or breathing, vomiting (especially if blood is present), and stomach cramps or bloating. “If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.”
Dr Srinivasan says regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) oversee food safety in the airline industry. Regular inspections ensure compliance with food safety standards. Airlines can face fines, service suspensions, mandatory recalls, and legal actions for non-compliance.
If you suspect you have ingested a foreign object, follow Dr Srinivasan’s recommendations for steps to take.
Seek immediate medical attention: Go to the nearest emergency room or contact a healthcare provider.
Avoid inducing vomiting: Do not try to induce vomiting, as this can cause more harm, especially if the object is sharp.
Stay calm and avoid eating or drinking: Until a medical professional advises you.
