Judge Denies Request to Close Sriracha Factory

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled on Thursday that the Sriracha factory in Irwindale can continue its production -- for now. 

The city filed a lawsuit against Hu Fong Foods on Monday, asking the company to shut down the factory because the smell of chilis is so strong that it's causing headaches. 

On behalf of the company, lawyer John R. Tate said initial reports from air quality inspectors found no distinguishable odor in streets near the factory. 

Judge Robert O'Brien rejected the residents' request and said, "You're asking for a very radical order on a 24-hour notice. You probably should have come in earlier." 

A preliminary injunction hearing was scheduled for Nov. 22.