Most people know at least one person who is an avid spicy food lover. Maybe they have multiple bottles of hot sauce in their cupboards. Maybe they bring a bottle Sriracha with them to Thanksgiving. Those who do rely on the spice of Sriracha might want to stock up on their favorite sauce now, since the business behind it is facing legal trouble.
This week reports came out that the California city where Sriracha is made has filed a lawsuit against the factory. Basically, residents in the community where the hot sauce is manufactured claim that the production of the sauce is making for a less enjoyable living environment.
The Los Angeles Times reports that residents behind the city lawsuit complain that they suffer from stinging of the eyes, irritated throats and headaches because of the sauce production near them. They want the sauce production stopped until the company can figure out a way to go on without putting the irritating chemicals into the air.
This case against Sriracha is a public nuisance case. The plaintiffs are suing the factory because they have a right to enjoy the land that they inhabit and own. Generally, it is not too much for someone to ask to be able to enjoy their property. Through the public nuisance lawsuit against the hot sauce company, plaintiffs simply want to be able to be outside and not feel sick as a result.
Sriracha is a very popular condiment. Therefore, this environmental law matter is sure to remain a high-profile story. We will post an update when there are developments in the case.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Sriracha sauce factory odor causing headaches, burning eyes, city says,” Frank Shyong, Oct. 28, 2013