Sriracha Is Sued Over Pungent Factory Odor

By Sam Lewis

Hot sauce CEO warns of dramatic price increase if factory is shut down

The city of Irwindale, CA filed a lawsuit in the L.A. Superior Court earlier this week asking the Huy Fong Foods factory to cease production of Sriracha sauce. Those living near the factory have complained about burning eyes, irritated throats, and even headaches from the strong aroma of chili radiating out of the factory.

“If the city shuts us down, the price of Sriracha will jump a lot,” founder and CEO of the much-loved hot sauce, David Tran tells the L.A. Times. Furthering his point, Tran explains that the company is already struggling to meet current demand of 200,000 bottles per day.

Huy Yung Foods’ plant in Rosemead, CA has operated for 30 years and never received a complaint. However, last year, representatives from the city contacted the plant regarding the smell. Tran says carbon filters were installed in the factory, and South Coast Air Quality Management District inspectors scoped out the plant twice, finding no issues requiring a citation. The situation at the Irwindale, CA facility is quite different. This plant is adjacent to a residential area, and Sriracha is in the middle of its chili harvesting. The combination of these two conditions might be intensifying the foul conditions being experienced by the area’s residents.

The city has suggested Huy Yung Foods install a $600,000 air cleaning system which would burn the scent of chili from the air. The director of operations at Huy Fong Foods, Adam Holliday, thinks that might be a solution, but more research should be done. “Burning the pepper air just didn't seem safer. It's a big business expense, and we want to make sure it's the right investment,” Holliday says to the LA Times.

To date, at least 30 residents have submitted a complaint to the city regarding the smell emanating from the plant. On Thursday, Oct 31 a judge is scheduled to decide if an order to shut the plant down is necessary. “If they fix it and the odor problems stop, we don't need this order; but so far the odor complaints continue,” says Fred Galante, Irwindale City Attorney.

Sriracha lovers should start stocking up their beloved rooster sauce now before a shutdown begins, followed by the inevitable jump in price. Or they can start crossing their fingers in hopes that the factory’s production continues without a hitch.