Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Environment - Non Weather Related; Company Policy; Aircraft; Human Factors; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part
I have recently learned that the new pilot crew meals being served to flight crews [are packaged] in black plastic trays. These trays are being placed in the aircraft convection ovens to be cooked. The material of this tray is plastic.  I have been informed that flight attendants are not issued ceramic cooking plates and are placing the plastic trays directly on the rack in the ovens. If the flight attendant is distracted they find the plastic tray is melting and what was described to me as being 'shrink wrapped' around the meal. Please do not mistake this as a meal complaint or a quality issue this is a safety issue. I would like to receive notification; by bulletin; from the company that these containers may or may not be placed in the oven.  [Flight attendants must be copied on the bulletin as well]. I also was told that the flight attendants also place the plastic that the rolls are shipped in in the ovens as well. This is also plastic. I called the duty Captain yesterday; who was unfazed by the process or by what I communicated to him and told me to write the union. Thus; there are now two issues at hand. One; the safety situation and Two; the Duty Captain's failure to take the issue seriously. This is not a contract complaint or a grievance issue.  This is what I believe to be a potential fire problem; unless the tray or container and plastic bag is rated for oven use and will not burn. I have advised the pilot's union Air Safety Committee and the Flight Attendant's Safety Chair.  I will also copy the company's Corporate Safety V.P. as well. I would like to receive a definitive response and have it be communicated to all pilots and flight attendants. If there are procedures already in place; then we need to have new and direct communication to the crews on the proper handling of the products and what can and can not be placed in the ovens.
An air carrier Captain reported new flight crew meals are being boarded in plastic containers that are unsuitable for heating in the aircraft convection ovens; shrinking severely and threatening to be combustible.  A flight manager's response to the reporter's concerns was dismissive.