Spicy Doritos seasoning caused Australian workers 'skin irritation', union alleges

Nearly a dozen Australian factory workers reported effects such as skin irritation, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing after dealing with the seasoning used to make 'Flamin' Hot' Doritos.

Workers at a Smith's factory reported adverse side effects after working in a production area where Doritos "flaming hot seasoning" was dispersed from a machine every couple of weeks. Source: Getty / UCG/Universal Images Group

Key Points

• Smith's factory workers reported side effects after dealing with the seasoning used to make Flamin' Hot Doritos.
• A union has alleged Smith's failed to maintain safe systems of work.
• A spokesperson said Smith's would install extra fans in its factory and work to "address any further concerns".

Smith's is installing extra fans in a factory as workers claim they are having difficulty breathing and experiencing skin irritation after dealing with the seasoning used to make Flamin' Hot Doritos.

SafeWork SA is looking into the claims after the United Workers Union alleged employees at an Adelaide Smith's Snackfood Company factory raised significant safety concerns about the "improper handling of strongly irritating substances".

In a report sent to the workplace regulator, the union said "flaming hot seasoning" dispersed across the factory production area every couple of weeks from a seasoning machine.

"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 union's report said.

The union alleged Smith's failed to maintain safe systems of work and, in another claim, said the factory's waste hall was unsafe.

Smith's markets flaming hot-branded Doritos and Cheetos.

A spokesperson for PepsiCo, which owns The Smith's Snackfood Company, said the safety of its people was the company's top priority.

"We follow a number of safety procedures and protocols when producing products that include spicy seasoning," the spokeswoman said.

"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.

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

SafeWork was considering the union's complaint to determine whether it warranted further action, a spokesman for the workplace regulator said.

A previous complaint lodged by the union in January reported a buildup of seasoning dust but did not mention any adverse health effects for workers.

"In response to (the January) complaint, SafeWork inspectors attended the site to ensure adequate controls were in place to minimise any risk to employees," the SafeWork spokesman said.

The union was contacted for further comment.