Embattled Sriracha Factory Owner Considers Moving

Following neighbor complaints regarding air quality around the Sriracha plant, Huy Fong Foods, owner David Tran is considering moving the factory out of Irwindale. 

Last week, the Irwindale City Council voted unanimously to designate the factory a public nuisance. This means city officials reserve the right to enter the facility and install fume mitigation techonology.

If the city of Irwindale decides the smell hasn't been reduced enough in the next 90 days, the factory could be shut down. 

"They [people] have jobs [because of the factory]," said Young Whang, owner of nearby J. R. Market. "So I don't complain."

Whang added that the smell is more notable in the fall, but even then, "it's not too strong."

More than ten states and multiple cities have offered to host the factory, and Tran is actively considering each invitation.

Tran said he would ideally like to keep the factory in Irwindale, but said that city officials "tell you one thing but think another."

The pepper harvesting season begins in the fall, and Tran hopes the issue is resolved by then.