After complaints over the Huy Fong Sriracha factory's offensive odors, a southern California judge ordered the plant to cease production.
According to the Associated Press, Judge Robert H. O'Brien ruled in favor of the city of Irwindale where the Sriracha plant recently relocated. The judge ordered the plant to stop any operations that could be causing the odor.
Huy Fong Foods, maker of the popular spicy sauce must partially shut down until actions are taken to prevent any further odor-related issues, but the Judge reportedly did not mention how the company could solve the issue.
"Neither the city, nor the judge, was specific in terms of what has to be done to cease the odors and left how that goal is achieved up to the defendant," Irwindale attorney Stephen Onstot told Reuters.
The city recently filed a lawsuit in October stating the foul smell was a "public nuisance." The lawsuit stated residents were forced to flee their homes to escape the stench. Others have reportedly dealt with more severe symptoms like burning eyes, irritated throats, and headaches.
The company fired back, stating their harvest season had passed and they were no longer crushing red-hot jalapeño peppers, which is considered the main ingredient and source of complaints.
The judge did not take into considering the complaints of breathing trouble and watery eyes, but stated that scent coming from the factory is "extremely annoying, irritating and offensive to the senses warranting consideration as a public nuisance."
Irwindale officials commended the decision.
"We believe it's a strong ruling that acknowledges and is reflective of the concerns that the community has raised about the health impacts of the odor," City Attorney Fred Galante said. We're going to try to keep having a conversation with Huy Fong.
The company said it hopes to find a way both parties can work together and "make sure the odor problems are addressed."
According to the AP, the case could still go to trial.
