IndiGo Passenger Finds Plastic Screw in Sandwich

Concerns Raised Over IndiGo Flight Food Safety After Passenger Finds Screw in Sandwich

DELHI – A startling incident involving an IndiGo (6E) flight has raised significant concerns regarding in-flight catering safety standards. A passenger aboard flight 6E 2557 from Delhi (DEL) to Surat (STV) discovered a plastic screw in his pre-packaged sandwich, prompting urgent calls for a review of the airline’s food safety protocols.

The incident occurred on Thursday when passenger Preet Vaniawala, after purchasing a chicken pahadi sandwich during the flight, found the foreign object. He later shared photographic evidence on the social media platform X, expressing his relief that he had not consumed the sandwich during the flight.

“This is huge negligence in airline catering,” Vaniawala stated. “Thank god I did not eat this on the flight—I could have choked myself onboard.” He urged food safety authorities to investigate the airline’s catering facilities, emphasizing that such negligence could have led to a medical emergency.

IndiGo Passenger Meal Safety Issues

Vaniawala tagged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in his social media post, requesting an inspection of the service provider responsible for preparing in-flight meals. His concerns highlight the potential dangers of foreign objects in airline food, which could pose serious health risks if ingested.

IndiGo responded promptly, stating, “We prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers.” The airline clarified that the sandwich was not consumed during the flight, which meant the crew was not alerted to the issue at the time. “Regrettably, the absence of a sample makes it difficult for us to conduct a conclusive assessment,” they added.

Previous Food Safety Issues with IndiGo

This incident is not an isolated case. In February 2025, food safety officials in Telangana inspected Instahot Foods Pvt. Ltd., a catering supplier for IndiGo, uncovering multiple violations that raised serious concerns about food quality control.

• Inspections revealed cockroach infestations in food preparation areas.
• Officials found expired ingredients and missing labels, indicating poor inventory management.
• Basic hygiene protocols were notably absent, with food items improperly stored and exposed to potential contamination.

These findings have prompted questions about the overall safety standards of IndiGo’s catering operations.

The Bottom Line on In-Flight Food Safety

Food safety in aviation is critical, especially given the limited medical assistance available during flights. Foreign objects in airline meals pose severe safety hazards that go beyond mere quality control issues. Experts warn that incidents of choking can be particularly dangerous in the confined environment of an aircraft cabin, where timely medical intervention may be challenging.

As concerns over food safety in aviation continue to mount, passengers are urged to remain vigilant and report any issues.

For further information on food safety standards in the airline industry, you can read more on the FSSAI website or explore related articles on food safety regulations.

What are your thoughts on this recent incident? Share your experiences or read more articles on food safety in aviation.