Atlantic Southeast Airlines – FDA Warning Letter, Mar 7, 2008

On March 6 & 7, 2008, the FDA inspected Atlantic Southeast Airlines' watering point at Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas, for Delta Connection airplanes. The inspection, conducted under the Public Health Service Act, aimed to assess compliance with Interstate Conveyance Sanitation regulations (21 CFR Part 1250). A significant deviation was identified, leading to a "Provisional" classification for the facility. The primary violation, documented on Form FDA 483, was the failure to maintain servicing equipment to prevent water contamination, as required by 21 CFR 1250.67(a). Specifically, the investigator observed sediment, including paint chips, contaminating the water inside the water cart, indicating inadequate maintenance, flushing, and sanitization. The "Provisional" status allows continued operation but mandates significant corrections. Atlantic Southeast Airlines must respond within fifteen days, detailing corrective actions, anticipated delays, and a completion deadline. Failure to implement significant corrections before a re-inspection will result in a "Non-Approved" classification, prohibiting interstate conveyances from using this watering point for potable water, as per 21 CFR 1240.80.