Workers at a popular crisp company have allegedly experienced skin irritation and difficulty breathing due to “spicy seasoning”, a union has claimed.
The United Workers Union says workers at a Smith’s Chips factory in Adelaide have raised concerns about substances used to flavor Doritos ‘Flamin’ Hot’ corn chips, according to the ABC.
Doritos claims its Flamin’ Hot Cheese Supreme corn chips, marketed for their spicy flavor, “provide a bold, full-flavored cheese flavor.”
“Turn on your taste buds with spicy supreme cheese,” the back of the package says.
Workers have listed a litany of irritations from prolonged contact with spicy Doritos seasoning. Brian Zak/NY Post
A report sent to SafeWork SA and published on its website says: “Employees have raised significant safety concerns regarding the inappropriate handling of strongly irritating substances.”
“He [company] produces a hot snack product with a ‘flaming hot seasoning’ every two weeks, and the seasoning is dispersed throughout the production area from the seasoning machine.”
According to the ABC, several staff at Smith’s Snackfood Company in Regency Park, north of Adelaide, have experienced mixed reactions after working with the product.
PepsiCo says the safety of its employees is a “top priority.” Frito-Lay
“After interviewing 13 afternoon shift workers, 11 reported various effects, including sneezing, coughing, eye and skin irritation, runny nose, sore throat, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing,” the report reads. SafeWork SA report.
UWU organizer Jacky Chen told the publication that more staff members raised similar concerns when he conducted an on-site inspection in early December.
“When they produce this type of product, the workers put some of the seasoning into the seasoning machine and the seasoning ends up traveling throughout the factory,” he said.
“The workers informed me that they have coughs, sneezes, burning eyes, burns on the skin, and some people even tell me that they have difficulty breathing, and some people have also told me that they feel discomfort in their chest when they get home” .
He said he had not received any updates from SafeWork SA after reporting the issue.
The company reportedly put a lid on the seasoning machine, however Chen believed it “wasn’t actually working properly.”
In a statement to new.com.au, PepsiCo, owner of Smith’s Chip, said the safety of its people is its “top priority” and that masks are mandatory at the Adelaide site when the chips are produced.
“We follow a series of safety procedures and protocols when producing products that include spicy seasonings. “To further enhance these measures at our Adelaide plant, masks are required during production of this product and we are installing additional exhaust fans,” a spokesperson said.
“We are committed to working with our people and the union to address any additional concerns.”
SafeWork SA told news.com.au it is “currently considering the complaint lodged by the UWU earlier this month to determine whether further action is warranted”.
“A previous UWU complaint filed in January referred to a buildup of seasoning dust on the PC line, but did not contain any reference to adverse health effects,” they said in a statement.
“In response to this complaint, SafeWork inspectors attended the site to ensure adequate controls were in place to minimize any risk to employees.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn