Fresh Express Agrees to Pay $280,000 for Exposing Over 80 Employees to Noxious Bleach Odors

SALINAS, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 15

that her 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 approximately one

month in early 2020. Over 80 Fresh Express employees complained of symptoms consistent with

exposure to the strong chlorine-like smell resulting from use of sodium hypochlorite during this

time period at their Salinas processing plant located at 900 E. Blanco Road in Salinas. Reported

symptoms included coughing, eye irritation, blurred vision, and chest pain, among others.

Fresh Express ultimately determined that equipment leaks and calibration of its sodium

hypochlorite injection system in its produce washing equipment was causing these symptoms to

various employees. Ultimately, following these incidents, Fresh Express 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 a $280,000 in 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,” pursuant to 3 CCR section

6128, subdivision (e), because the incident caused over five persons to become ill. Fresh Express

cooperated with the District Attorney’s Office during its investigation.

Comments

Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered. The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

KRKC COUNTRY

Search This Blog