Crisis at Australia’s Doritos factory: ‘Flamin’ hot’ chilli powder sparks chaos
- Smith's chip workers are crushed
- 11 of the 13 employees on the 'flamin' hot' Doritos line are affected
- Breathing difficulties, 'irritants'
Chip maker Smith's is installing extra fans in a factory as workers claim they are having trouble breathing and experiencing skin irritation after handling the spices used to make 'flamin' hot' Doritos.
SafeWork SA is investigating the claims after alleged United Workers Union employees at an Adelaide Smith's Snackfood Company factory raised significant safety concerns over the 'improper handling of strong irritants'.
In a report sent to the workplace regulator, the union said “flaming hot spices” were being spread across the factory's production area by a spice machine every few weeks.
The 'flaming hot spices' involved in the production of this Doritos product have caused chaos on the factory floor, according to the union
“After interviewing 13 afternoon shift workers, 11 reported different effects, including sneezing, coughing, eye and skin irritation, runny nose, sore throat, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing,” the union report said.
The union alleged that Smith had failed to maintain safe work systems and said in another claim that the plant's waste hall was unsafe.
A spokeswoman for PepsiCo, which owns The Smith's Snackfood Company, said the safety of its people is the company's top priority.
“We follow a number of safety procedures and protocols when producing products that contain spicy herbs,” the spokeswoman said.
'To further enhance these measures at our Adelaide site, mask wearing is mandatory during the production of this product and we are installing additional exhaust fans.
A spokeswoman for PepsiCo, which owns The Smith's Snackfood Company, said the safety of its people is the company's top priority. Above, the Doritos factory in Adelaide
“We are committed to working with our people and the union to address any further concerns.”
SafeWork has considered the union's complaint to determine whether further action is warranted, a spokesperson for the workplace regulator said.
A previous complaint filed by the union in January cited a buildup of herbal dust but made no mention of any adverse health effects on workers.
“In response to the (January) complaint, SafeWork inspectors visited the site to ensure adequate controls were in place to minimize any risk to employees,” the SafeWork spokesperson said.
The union has been contacted for further comment.