A bottle of the heat packed Sriracha sauce. THE PERFECT PANTRY
Irwindale, Calif. residents complain that local pepper factory is polluting the air with irritants to the eyes, nose and lungs.
The offending factory Huy Fong Foods produces Sriracha sauce. The sauce is a favorite spice in the United States and Asia. I have used the sauce as one of the ingredients for spicy wings. I also lightly drizzle it on spring rolls. In January, I heard there was a shortage, so I reduced my consumption, conserving my bottle of sauce. I did not know the reasoning behind the shortage. I thought it might be a result of the California drought. Apparently, it is not.
The FDA requested that bottles wait an additional month prior to distribution to ensure that there are no microorganisms in the product (New York Times Daily).
Little did I know, this setback is the least of the company’s problems. Irwindale locals filed complaints about the plant’s ill effects on their health.
Huy Fong Foods Factory NICK UT/AP
The gavel of justice landed, citizens won. The plant has 90 days to clear its odor or allow the city to decide how to rid the offense (Time).
The plant has enlisted the help of air-quality experts South Coast Air Management District in an effort to improve filtration.
Personally, liability should be placed on the city officials. They approved the plant in the first place. It is their job to ensure that businesses are not disruptive to the community, and mutually beneficial.
Oh, little spicy pepper plant, I do hope you find a way to contain your stank. My home would not be the same without you.
flip flops and bee stings 