Delta Air Lines pauses hot meal service on Detroit flights due to 'food safety issue'

ROMULUS (WWJ) -- A couple of airlines are dealing with thousands of hungry and disappointed passengers after a catering shutdown in Detroit over the weekend.

A "food safety issue" is what the airlines are calling it, but multiple passengers on Delta and American Airlines flights report cabin crew telling them the primary catering facility at Detroit Metro Airport failed a federal food inspection, causing the operation to be shut down.

The caterer wasn't named, but Delta — DTW's largest airline — contracts with DO & CO.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Jonathan Carlson reports that when he called the caterer over the over the weekend to ask about the issue, they denied there was one. This, as passengers were being sent notifications from the airline saying in-flight food and drink would be limited, but without explanation.

"Some pilots and flight attendants spilled the beans to passengers," Carlson said.

Reportedly, more than 200 flights out of Detroit Metro Airport had to substitute hot meals and drinks with water and pretzels.

The airlines are not currently reporting any illnesses among customers or employees related to the "food safety" concern.

The airlines are reportedly working to get food out from other kitchens.

Meanwhile, passengers are being compensated with miles or flight credits.

Food supply issues aren't new at DTW.

Over the summer, a Detroit-to-Amsterdam flight was diverted because multiple passengers reported getting sick from spoiled chicken .