After neighbors complained that the Huy Fong Sriracha factory spewed offensive odors, a judge has ruled in the people's favor. According to the Associated Press, Judge Robert H. O'Brien's decision came down in favor of the city of Irwindale, California, ordering Huy Fong Foods to cease any operations that might cause a mephitic odor. He also ruled that Huy Fong Foods must take action to prevent any future production-related stench.
The city had filed a lawsuit on October 21 stating that the foul smell was a "public nuisance." Huy Fong Foods fired back, saying that harvest season had passed and they were no longer crushing red-hot jalapeño peppers that were likely the source of complaints.
While the judge did realize that complaints of breathing trouble and watery eyes were not adequately supported with credible evidence, he did state that the malodorous scent coming from the factory is "extremely annoying, irritating and offensive to the senses warranting consideration as a public nuisance."
After the ruling, Huy Fong Foods did not respond to the Associated Press's request for comment. According to the AP, the case could still go to trial.
