Ellen Pompeo’s Snack Mishap Sets Off Airport Security Alarms
In a recent interview with Travel + Leisure, Ellen Pompeo, star of "Grey’s Anatomy," shared an unusual run-in with airport security that nearly caused her to miss a flight. The Everett native recounted her experience while trying to board a flight in March when her bag of organic sunflower seeds triggered security alarms, leading to a dramatic response that included the bomb squad.
Pompeo revealed that the costly seeds, purchased from Erewhon, set off the alarms. “They literally held me for an hour,” she explained, conveying her disbelief. Although she offered to discard her snack, security officials insisted on waiting for further assessment. According to TSA officials, a chemical residue on the packaging likely caused the alarm.
The actress humorously described the situation to her publicist, texting, “I might not get on this plane, and you’re never gonna guess why.” Despite TSA regulations allowing snacks in both checked and carry-on bags, officials emphasize that travelers must be prepared for additional scrutiny of food items. Thankfully, Pompeo made it onto her flight, though the encounter remains a memorable one.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
