Irwindale City Council Debates Sriracha Factory Odor
Video by Vanessa Gomez
The City of Irwindale held a public hearing Wednesday night to hear from residents and business owners about a possible smell coming from the Sriracha Factory.
The factory, which is owned by Huy Fong Foods, Inc., has irritated some reisdents. The company manufactures more than 18,000 bottles of the popular Sriracha hot sauce an hour, 24 hours a day, six days a week.
"When they mix the chili," said nearby liquor store owner Young Wang, "it smells, but not too bad." Wang also said she only smells the pepper between August and November.
Other residents and workers said they've never smelled anything.
The Air Quality Management District issued a statement saying, "We have taken air samples inside the plant from the processes currently in operation. [We] believe that the information we have gathered should allow Huy Fong Foods and the City of Irwindale to resolve their differences."
Huy Fong Foods, Inc. was not available for comment, but the company is reportedly willing to cooperate with the city.
The smell doesn't bother us and I have two kids with asthma. Certain people in our city just cry for everything and get there way, it's gone too far. There business is good for our city!