Factory workers in Australia are suffering from “breathing difficulties” and skin irritation and other health issues due to the spicy seasonings used in making Doritos, according to claims from the workers’ union, prompting an investigation by the local safety regulator on how the seasonings are handled at the factory.
Key Facts
The United Workers Union (UWU) reported that workers at Smith’s Snackfood factory in Adelaide are experiencing a range of health problems due to the “volatile spicy seasonings” used in making Doritos, according to a complaint filed by the union with the workplace safety regulator SafeWork SA.
The union confirmed that several employees have expressed “significant safety concerns” regarding the handling of “strongly irritating substances,” as the seasonings are distributed in the production area “every few weeks” when making the spicy chips.
The union stated that 11 of the 13 workers surveyed by the union reported health problems after using the seasoning machine, including “breathing difficulties” and “eye and skin irritation” and “chest discomfort” as well as coughing and sneezing.
Smith’s markets “spicy Doritos” and “Cheetos” in Australia, which are owned by the food and beverage giant PepsiCo.
In response to the report, PepsiCo confirmed to the media that the company follows multiple safety protocols when working with spicy seasonings and that the safety of its workers is its top priority, adding that the group is “committed” to working with the union to address any concerns.
PepsiCo indicated that an additional fan will be installed in the Adelaide factory and that mandatory masks will be worn during the production of products using spicy seasonings to bolster existing safety measures.
What to Watch For
SafeWork SA stated that it is assessing the union’s complaints regarding the use of spicy seasonings at the factory and will determine whether additional steps are warranted, according to ABC and The Guardian. Inspectors from the agency had previously visited the site in response to a prior complaint from the union in January. While the previous complaint reported an excessive accumulation of seasoning dust in the factory, it did not mention any health impacts on the workers.
Main Background
Spicy chips like those produced at the Adelaide factory have been evaluated and approved by global food regulatory authorities, but there are reports of complaints among consumers. In 2018, for instance, doctors warned that people, especially teenagers, were being hospitalized with severe stomach pain after consuming spicy snacks, and another warned that spicy seasonings in hot Cheetos could cause bowel issues and stomach discomfort. Spicy foods are linked to a range of health benefits, and some research suggests they can add years to people’s lives. However, they are not without drawbacks. High levels of seasonings can cause issues including pain, irritation, stomach upset, and vomiting. Individual tolerance varies from person to person – and issues like inflammatory bowel conditions may make unpleasant symptoms more likely in some people – and in some cases, seasonings can lead to symptoms severe enough to warrant emergency treatment.
Future Reading
“Spicy Dorito seasonings” are causing breathing difficulties among Australian factory workers, the union claims (The Guardian)
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“Spicy Dorito seasonings” are causing breathing difficulties among Australian factory workers, the union claims (The Guardian)
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“Flamin’ Hot Doritos Seasoning” Causes Breathing Difficulties Among Australian Factory Workers, Union Claims (The Guardian)
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“Flamin’ Hot Doritos Seasoning” Causes Breathing Difficulties Among Australian Factory Workers, Union Claims (The Guardian)
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