Following the complaints of neighbors of Huy Fong Foods Inc, the maker of the Sriracha chili sauce, Democrat California representative Tony Cardenas steps in and offered a solution. USA Today said that the California congressman has offered his district as a potential new home for Huy Fong.
In his letter addressed to Huy Fong president William Tran, Cardenas wrote, "If relocation is the only viable option, I ask that you consider moving your facility to the San Fernando Valley. The San Fernando Valley has plenty of manufacturing zones, especially in the 29th Congressional District. My district has a long history of manufacturing and we would welcome your company with open arms."
Perhaps sensing that the company might move elsewhere, Cardenas saw an opportunity to retain the value Huy Fong has brought into California. According to a press release from the governor, Sriracha posted $60 million in sales last year without any advertising.
"Why move thousands of miles, when you can keep jobs in California, the state you founded your successful company in?" Cardenas asked.
Several months ago, neighbors of the Sriracha factory, currently located in Irwindale, have sought legal action against the company. The residents complained that the odor coming from the factory has caused them to have throat, head and eye irritation. Last year the Los Angeles Superior Court had sided with the California residents, but fell short from ordering the company to stop its operations. USA Today said that O'Brien's order was an interim measure while the court reviews the lawsuits filed by the residents. However, the decision dictated that Huy Fong should stop operations that causes the noxious fumes, which was identified as the culprit to the irritation.
Irwindale attorney Stephen Onstot told Reuters that time, "Neither the city, nor the judge, was specific in terms of what has to be done to cease the odors and left how that goal is achieved up to the defendant."
On the other hand, Huy Fong is feeling the pressure from locally. Earlier this month, the Irwindale City Council had labeled the fums as a public nuisance and has given the Sriracha sauce maker 90 days to contain the smells.
