A national food processor agreed to pay $280,000 in fines after dozens of its employees got sick from bleach odors leaking at its Salinas packing plant in early 2020.
According to a March 15 announcement by Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni, Fresh Express violated several pesticide-related laws after its produce washing equipment leaked bleach fumes for about a month in January 2020.
An anonymous employee, who alerted local media on Jan. 16, 2020 of a possible chemical leak inside the 900 E. Blanco Road property, filed a complaint with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which agreed to investigate.
According to Pacioni, more than 80 employees suffered symptoms of chlorine-like odor exposure, including coughing, eye irritation, blurred vision and chest pain.
Fresh Express ultimately repaired its sodium hypochlorite and citric acid injection system after it found where the problem was emanating, according to Pacioni.
Representatives of Fresh Express did not respond to a request for comment as of press time. Pacioni noted that the company cooperated with the District Attorney’s Office during the investigation.
The $280,000 fine includes civil penalties and investigative costs, as well as terms prohibiting future violations.
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