State Court Denies Request to Close Hot Sauce Factory

Telling counsel for Irwindale, California, that it was “asking for a very radical order on 24-hour notice,” a superior court has reportedly denied the city’s request that the maker of an Asian hot sauce cease production until purportedly aggressive odors can be reduced. Irwindale v. Huy Fong Foods, No. ___ (Cal. Super. Ct., Los Angeles Cty., filed October 28, 2013). A hearing on the city’s motion for preliminary injunction has been scheduled for November 22, 2013. According to news sources, Huy Fong Foods, which makes a popular Sriracha chili sauce, opened its Irwindale plant in 2012 when its Rosemead facility could not keep up with demand. Irwindale residents began complaining of pungent pepper and garlic fumes, burning eyes, irritated throats and headaches, especially when the company crushes the peppers.

The city cited the company in October 2013 for violation of an ordinance forbidding noxious manufacturing emissions and filed suit after the company’s owners balked at installing a $600,000 filtration system. The company reportedly contends that it has been cooperating with the city and that its employees manage the fumes without complaint. See The Los Angeles Times, October 28, 2013; NewsTimes.com, October 31, 2013.