Sriracha Irwindale: Hot Sauce Company Getting Sued by Neighbors for Peppery Smell

The delicious and iconic Sriracha hot sauce is causing some issues for residences nearby its plant. CNN reported that the city of Irwindale, California has filed a lawsuit against the makers of Sriracha, Huy Fong Foods. They are asking the plant to stop production of the sauce because residents nearby have complained that the smell has caused them physical harm.

The Thai chilli sauce has had an almost cult following throughout the years and is famous. It can be seen throughout grocery stores and restaurants.

"But the pepper sauce that kindles such adoration in its fans is reportedly scorching the olfactory systems of the factory's neighbors. According to the complaint filed with Los Angeles Superior Court by the city of Irwindale, the stench of cooking peppers isn't just unpleasant - it's painful," reported CNN.

Neighbor Edward Anthony told KCAL, "Every morning it smells like chili powder. It's irritating."

The sauce had sales of more than $60 million last year. It's even been the subject of a documentary, a food festival, two cookbooks and even a flavor of Lays potato chips.

"David Tran, chief executive and founder, has offered to do what he can to control the odor and the company has twice added filters to its exhaust vents. But he says the chiles are pungent for a reason - it makes for a better sauce." Reported The LA Times.

Tran said to the LA Times, "If it doesn't smell, we can't sell.  If the city shuts us down, the price of Sriracha will jump a lot."

The chile is a mix of a jalapeno pepper and is fresh, not cooked or dried. They are taken by a conveyer belt in the back of the building and washed. Then they are grinded where exhaust fans suck the air in and expel it to the roof where it is expelled and why it's causing frustration amongst neighbors.