SALINAS – Problems with systems used at a Fresh Express processing plant that caused more than 80 employees to complain of physical symptoms has resulted in the company agreeing to pay $280,000 in civil penalties.
The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that its Environmental Protection Unit entered into a stipulated judgment with Fresh Express Incorporated for violations of pesticide-related laws that exposed its employees to noxious odors resulting from the use of sodium hypochlorite – commonly known as bleach – for about one month in early 2020.
A number of Fresh Express employees complained of symptoms consistent with exposure to the strong chlorine-like smell resulting from the use of sodium hypochlorite during that time at the Fresh Express processing plant at 900 E. Blanco Rd., in Salinas, according to the District Attorney’s Office. The workers reported symptoms that included coughing, eye irritation, blurred vision, and chest pain, among others.
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Fresh Express ultimately found that equipment leaks and the calibration of its sodium hypochlorite injection system in it produce washing equipment was the cause of the symptoms in various employees. Following these incidents, the company repaired its sodium hypochlorite and citric acid injection system to help ensure the systems are fully operational and in good working order.
The judgment requires Fresh Express Incorporated to pay the civil penalties and investigative costs, and includes injunctive terms prohibiting future violations.
The Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office investigated this incident and referred the case to the District Attorney’s Office as a “priority investigation,” because the incident caused over five persons to become ill. Fresh Express cooperated with the District Attorney’s Office during its investigation.