Widebody; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Distraction
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy
Upon arrival at MPTO I proceeded to operations for the paperwork. Our crew meals were on a shelf with access to anyone and not secured. They were wrapped but had no idea how long they had been sitting there with no time stamp and were not [on] ice. We took them and left for our next leg. At the next destination; my first officer chose one of the meals and of course I had the other. After departure (his leg); we were on climb out and he started to perspire a lot and became extremely nauseous saying you have control then darting to the back where he proceeded to vomit heavily. He felt he could make it to our next destination which we did. There we contacted scheduling and fortunately a commuting pilot was on the jumpseat and replaced the first officer for last leg. I understand this has happened before in MPTO. We are talking a DEADLY situation. I thank God I did not get sick. The meals in MPTO first should come from separate vendors; arrive packed in ice; and a date and time stamp on each package. With the lengths of some of these trips having safe and proper food is as important as carrying enough fuel and having an aircraft that is safe. I know the FAA would agree with me. I should have refused the meals and delayed the flight until proper and safe catering could be obtained. Again we were lucky that we both didn't get sick.Again we were lucky that we both didn't get sick. Other equipment in sealed with expiration date. Why not the crew meals?
Air carrier Captain reported his First Officer became very nauseous during flight after eating a meal prepared in MPTO by the same vendor; not refrigerated; and without time of preparation/expiration specified.