Sriracha Creator Seriously Considering Moving His Factory

The heat has just been dialed up on the latest Sriracha factory problems. Huy Fong Foods, the parent company of the super-popular hot sauce, has been at odds with their hometown of  Irwindale, Calif. for months now, and the city just recently voted to declare the factory a public nuisance due to the spicy smell that's been causing serious cases of itchy, watery eyes in the area. Huy Fong foods creator, David Tran is now being wooed by Texas State Representative Jason Villalba, and may seriously consider moving his factory to alleviate the issues of disturbing the peace with the pungent smell of their product, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

"Just meet with us. Let us tell you what is possible by moving your operations to Texas. You will not be disappointed," Villalba wrote in a letter to Tran.

Tran responded to Villalba's offer by inviting him to Huy Fong's Irwindale facility to "observe firsthand our operations as well as to assess whether there is any potential issue that may affect your residences before the company considers moving to Texas."

The city of Irwindale has been disappointed by this swift and sudden response on Huy Fong's part, especially since the city has been working with Huy Fong to help eliminate odors with new ventilation systems, etc.

"I think that that's just extreme and doesn't seem warranted given the (South Coast Air Quality Management District's) suggestions that there's a readily available fix," said Irwindale City Attorney Fred Galante.

There are allegedly several states vying for Huy Fong's business and factory, presumably for the attention and profit the factory will draw. No word yet on where Huy Fong will move, if at all, or if and when Villalba will take Tran up on his invitation.

Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @JoannaFantozzi