The City Council has given a plant in Irwindale, Calif., 90 days to eliminate an odor associated with its popular hot sauce, Sriracha, after the factory was declared a public nuisance.
According to the Associated Press, the Irwindale City Council voted 4-0 on Wednesday to give the plant, owned by Huy Fong Foods' Sriracha facility, 90 days to stop the odors. The strong odors have prompted complaints from several residents, stating that the smell burned their eyes and throats.
Some residents said the pungent smell caused heartburn, inflamed asthma, and caused nosebleeds. The odor also forced residents to file a lawsuit against the plant. John Tate, Sriracha attorney, said in a statement that the company is disappointed with the outcome and added that the council's actions are "antagonizing" and "fairly hostile to local business."
The decision came despite promises from the company to submit an action plan within 10 days and have the smell fixed by June 1. Tate told the AP that the company had been working with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, who testified that progress had been made at the plant in recent months. AQMD officials reportedly used carbon filters, something the company has used in the past, to reduce the smell.
"The City Council is determined to assert its authority regardless of the status of the odor remediation efforts," Tate said.
The company was founded by Vietnamese immigrant David Tran. Two years ago, Huy Fong Foods moved to Irwindale and opened a new $40 million plant in the industrial city of 1,400 residents. If the company does not comply with the ruling, city officials will have the right to enter the facility and conduct any changes necessary to eliminate the odor.
Fred Galante, an attorney for the city, said, "The council directed city staff to prepare a resolution for council consideration at its next meeting finding that Huy Fong caused a public nuisance as a result of strong odors emanating from its facility, but made explicit that they do not anticipate having to enforce the decision if Huy Fong makes good on its promise to correct the matter."
In November, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert H. O'Brien ordered Huy Fong Foods to halt production of any products that might be linked to the smell. The hot sauce is comprised of a simple recipe containing chili pepper, garlic, salt, sugar, and vinegar in certain proportions.
Councilman Albert Ambriz said the city hopes to keep the hot sauce factory, stating, "I respect the fact that they are here. But they know there's a problem and it needs to be fixed."
