Record GL-13
Inspection intervals of three to five years, with follow-up deferred
| Date of record | Ongoing framework; reported 2019 and 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | United States |
| Type | Regulatory structure |
| Source tier | Tier 1 — national news analysis and industry press |
What the record shows
FDA inspection of airline catering facilities is required at intervals of three to five years, and resource constraints can extend that further.
For the majority of violations, classified as requiring voluntary correction, follow-up occurs at the next scheduled inspection, potentially years later. Reporting notes that across the period reviewed, no airline caterer was shut down.
Evidence gap
Between inspections, the only evidence of temperature control is whatever the operator generates itself. Where that is periodic manual checks, no continuous record exists that a regulator, airline or insurer could later review.