Needles found in US airline food

The FBI is investigating the discovery of sewing needles in food on four flights bound for the United States.

Delta airline spokeswoman Chris Kelly says six needles were found in sandwiches made by the airline's caterer in Amsterdam.

Two needles were found in sandwiches on one flight from Amsterdam to Minneapolis; another two in sandwiches on a flight to Seattle; and one each on two separate flights to Atlanta.

Ms Kelly says the FBI and Netherlands officials are investigating.

"Delta is taking this matter extremely seriously and is cooperating with local and federal authorities who are investigating the incident," the airline said in a statement.

"Delta has taken immediate action with our in-flight caterer at Amsterdam to ensure the safety and quality of the food we provide onboard our aircraft."

One passenger, James Tonges, has told the US ABC network how he discovered a needle in his food.

"I thought at first that it was a toothpick, I mean sometimes you have a club sandwich that has a toothpick in it that you don't see," he said.

"When I pulled it out I found a needle.

"It was about one inch long, straight needle."

Mr Tonges has been put on antiretroviral drugs used for the treatment of HIV.

A fellow passenger also found a needle in his meal.

The Transportation Security Administration, the US government agency that oversees such incidents, said it had notified all American air carriers with flights from Amsterdam's Schiphol airport to "ensure awareness".

Source: ABC News, 18 July 2012