California town sues hot sauce company over chili odors

By Dana Feldman and Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A small Southern California city has sued the makers of the popular Sriracha-brand hot pepper sauce, saying tear-inducing odors emanating from its chili processing plant in town are creating a public nuisance. Irwindale officials said they plan to ask a Los Angeles County judge on Thursday for a court order forcing Huy Fong Foods to immediately halt production of Sriracha (pronounced sir-RAH-chah) at its chili factory while review of the case continues. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, says the company has denied a problem exists and refused to take action to abate fumes powerful enough to prompt some “residents to move outdoor activities indoors and even to vacate their residences temporarily to seek relief.” Since mid-September, Irwindale, about 20 miles east of Los Angeles, has received numerous reports from residents complaining of “strong, offensive chili odors” that cause eye and throat irritation and headaches, the suit says.