Delta Air Lines Flight 136 was diverted to New York’s JFK airport after passengers were served spoiled food.
Officials reported that part of the in-flight chicken meal in the main cabin had spoiled, leading to medical crews treating affected passengers upon landing.
The flight carried 277 passengers, although Delta has not disclosed how many consumed the spoiled food.
A source informed CBS New York that approximately 70 passengers fell ill after eating the meal, which reportedly had black mold on some portions.
Delta’s Food Safety team has already taken action, isolating the affected product and launching a thorough investigation.
All passengers who became ill declined further medical assistance. Delta responded by adjusting its “in-flight meal service on a number of international flights,” including offering a pasta-only option to economy passengers on approximately 75 flights. Barbara Smith, a passenger who avoided the meal, shared with CBS News Detroit that symptoms began showing among passengers as the flight turned back.
She described the situation as not chaotic but noted many passengers used the restrooms frequently.
Due to the flight being international, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were notified. Passengers were provided with food and hotel accommodations, and the flight was rescheduled to depart from JFK airport at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
