A union claims that workers at a popular chips company are experiencing skin irritations and breathing difficulties due to the ‘flaming seasoning.’
According to ABC, the United Workers Union claims that workers at a Smith’s Chips plant in Adelaide raised concerns about the ingredients used to flavor Doritos ‘Flamin’ hot’ corn chips.
Doritos’ Flamin’ Hot Cheese Supreme Corn Chips, which are marketed as spicy, have a “bold cheesy flavour with full flavour.”
The back of the package reads: “Ignite the taste buds with Flamin’ Hot Cheese Supreme.”
In a report published on the SafeWork SA website, employees have expressed serious safety concerns about improper handling of highly irritating substances.
The seasoning is dispersed across the production area by the seasoning machine.
According to reports, the seasoning disperses “across production areas.” Woolworths Picture
The ABC reports that several employees at Smith’s Snackfood Company, Regency Park site, north of Adelaide, have experienced mixed reactions to the product.
SafeWork SA’s report states that “after interviewing 13 workers on the afternoon shift, eleven reported various effects including sneezing and coughing, eye irritation and skin irritations, a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing.”
Jacky Chen, UWU’s organizer, told the publication that more staff had raised similar concerns during his inspection of the site in early December.
He said that when workers produce this type of product, they put some seasoning in the seasoning machine. The seasoning then goes through the entire factory.
Some people report that they find it difficult to breathe. Others have complained of chest pains when they return home.
After reporting the problem, he said that he had not heard anything from SafeWork SA.
According to reports, the company has placed a cap on the machine that seasonings food. However, Mr. Chen believes it “is not really working properly.”
PepsiCo (which owns Smith’s Chip) said in a statement sent to new.com.au that the safety of their employees is “their top priority.” Masks are now mandatory for the Adelaide plant when making the chips.
We follow several safety protocols and procedures when we produce products with spicy seasoning. A spokesperson stated that to improve these measures further, masks are required during the production of this product at our Adelaide facility. We also plan to install additional extraction fans.
We are ready to work with our employees and union to resolve any other concerns.
