Hazmat incident at Mondelez International factory at Suttontown in SA’s South-East prompts alert for residents

Residents have been warned to stay indoors after an incident this morning at a local factory that’s renowned for making famed Philadelphia cream cheese.

An ammonia leak at a large cheese factory in the state’s South East has prompted warnings to locals to stay inside for their safety.

Firefighters rushed to the Mondelez International factory at Suttontown, near Mount Gambier, after receiving a Triple 0 call for a hazmat incident at midnight.

On arrival, they discovered the strong smell of ammonia.

Four CFS trucks carrying 20 firefighters attended the hazmat incident at Suttontown in the state’s South East.

Cadbury Marble-inspired Philadelphia Cream Cheese is made at Mondelez International's Suttontown factory on the outskirts of Mount Gambier. Picture: Mondelez International

The CFS was joined by the SA Metropolitan Fire Service, the SA Ambulance Service, the State Emergency Service and SA Police at the scene.

According to the CFS, volunteers conducted atmospheric monitoring and are now venting the building to disperse the ammonia.

Nearby residents have been advised to stay indoors.

The CFS is warning that depending upon the ammonia leak and ongoing conditions, volunteers could be on scene for several more hours.

Residents are being told road closures may be in place for Pine Hall Ave and other roads within the vicinity of the cheese factory due to the incident and motorists are advised to take care around the location.

Mondelez International Suttontown produces the company’s famed Philadelphia cream cheese.

It is responsible for making all the Philly sold in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia.

Originally published as Hazmat incident at Mondelez International factory at Suttontown in SA’s South-East prompts alert for residents