Doritos workers report difficulty breathing, skin irritation after exposure to ‘flaming hot seasoning’

Workers at a popular chip company have allegedly been experiencing skin irritation and difficulty breathing due to a ‘flaming hot seasoning’, a union has claimed.

The United Workers Union claim workers at a Smith’s Chips factory in Adelaide have raised concerns over the substances used to flavor Doritos ‘Flamin’ Hot’ corn chips, according to the ABC.

Doritos states their Flamin’ Hot Cheese Supreme corn chips, marketed for their spiciness, “bring a bold cheesy taste with full flavor”.

“Ignite your tastebuds with flamin’ hot cheese supreme,” the back of the packet reads.

A report sent to SafeWork SA and published on their website states: “Employees have raised significant safety concerns regarding the improper handling of strongly irritating substances.”

“The [company] produces a hot snack product with ‘flaming hot seasoning’ every couple of weeks, the seasoning dispersing across the production area from the seasoning machine.”

According to the ABC, several staff members at Smith’s Snackfood Company site at Regency Park, north of Adelaide have experienced mixed reactions after working with the product.

“After interviewing 13 workers from the afternoon shift, 11 reported various effects, including sneezing, coughing, eye and skin irritation, runny nose, sore throat, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing,” the SafeWork SA report reads.

UWU organizer Jacky Chen told the publication more staff raised similar concerns when he conducted an inspection at the site earlier in December.

“When they produce this kind of product, the workers put some of the seasoning into the seasoning machine, and the seasoning ends up going through the whole factory,” he said.

“Workers reported to me they have coughing, sneezing, eye-burning, skin burns, and even some people tell me they (find it) hard to breathe, and also some people have told me they feel chest discomfort when they get home.”

He said he had not received any update from SafeWork SA after reporting the issue.

The company have reportedly placed a lid on the seasoning machine, however Mr Chen believed it was “not really working properly”.

In a statement to new.com.au, PepsiCo, which owns Smith’s Chip, said the safely of its people is their “top priority” and masks have been made mandatory at the Adelaide site when producing the chips.

“We follow a number of safety procedures and protocols when producing products that include spicy seasoning. To further enhance these measures at our Adelaide site there is mandatory mask wearing during production of this product and we are installing additional extraction fans,” a spokesperson said.

“We are committed to working with our people and the union to address any further concerns.”

SafeWork SA told news.com.au it was “currently considering the complaint lodged by the UWU earlier this month to determine whether further action is warranted”.

“One previous complaint from the UWU lodged in January referred to a build-up of seasoning dust in the PC line, but contained no 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 minimise any risk to employees.”