Spicy corn chip seasoning causes workers ‘skin irritation’, union claims

The seasoning used on one particular corn chip flavour is causing workers skin irritation and breathing difficulties, it’s been claimed.

The seasoning used on Doritos Flamin’ Hot corn chips is causing workers breathing difficulties, a union claims. Picture: Supplied / Woolworths

A prominent union claims workers making a specific flavour of Doritos corn chip are suffering from “skin irritation” and having “breathing difficulties” due to the chips’ spicy seasoning.

In a submission to SafeWork SA, the United Workers Union (UWU) claims employees at the Smith’s Chips factory in Regency Park have reported a range of symptoms after being exposed to seasoning while making Doritos Flamin’ Hot corn chips.

The Doritos in question are produced at Smith’s Adelaide factory in the northern suburb of Regency Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Michael Dodge

The union claims 11 employees “raised significant safety concerns regarding the improper handling of strongly irritating substances” and complained of symptoms including “sneezing, coughing, eye and skin irritation, runny nose, sore throat, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing”.

The complaint comes from a report to WorkSafe SA, available on the safety watchdog’s website.

Doritos Flamin’ Hot chips are marketed as being an especially spicy variant of the Cheese Supreme flavour, which will “ignite your tastebuds”, according to the product’s packaging.

“Your favourite Doritos drenched with a Flamin’ Hot cheesy flavour” reads the description of the snack food on supermarket web pages.

“Driven by slammin’ your tastebuds with pure satisfaction the crunchy corn chips are insanely good. Do you snack bold?”

The report claims the chips are made “every couple of weeks”, with dust from the seasoning machine “dispersing across the production area”.

Doritos Flamin’ Hot are described as ‘driven by slammin' your tastebuds with pure satisfaction’. Picture: Supplied / Woolworths

The UWU claims worker health has been adversely affected by Doritos Flamin’ Hot seasoning. Picture: Supplied / Woolworths

Thirteen employees were interviewed following an afternoon shift at the Regency Park factory, with 11 reporting symptoms.

SafeWork SA said it was the union’s complaint to determine whether it warranted further action.

The UWU also made a complaint to the watchdog in January, in which it noted a build-up of seasoning dust, but didn’t mention adverse health effects.

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

PepsiCo, the parent company of Smiths Snackfoods, said the safety of their people was their top priority.

“We follow a number of safety procedures and protocols when producing products that include spicy seasoning,” a PepsiCo spokesperson 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.”