The United Workers Union (UWU) claims the "Flamin' Hot" seasoning has caused a number of adverse effects including sneezing, coughing, eye and skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. Individual tolerance for this varies from person to person—issues like inflammatory bowel disease can also make unpleasant symptoms more likely in some people—and in some cases spice can trigger symptoms that can be so severe as to warrant emergency treatment. Subscribe to our newsletter for free and be the first to know about our new updates, discounts and special offers.

A spokesperson for PepsiCo, which owns the Smith’s Snackfood Company, said the safety of its people was the company’s top priority. Try our DORITOS® FLAMIN' HOT® Flavored Tortilla Chips, melting mozzarella and grated cheese, with spicy salsa and jalapenos. PepsiCo said extra fans will be installed at the Adelaide factory and mandatory mask wearing during the production of products using spicy seasoning will enhance existing safety measures. Smith’s is installing extra fans in an Adelaide factory after workers claimed they were having difficulty breathing and experiencing skin irritation from dealing with the seasoning used to make “flamin’ hot” Doritos.

I acknowledge that I’m in the minority here because Flamin’ Hot Cheetos have a fierce and loyal following, and Frito-Lay knows it. In the event of any safety concerns or for any other information about a product please carefully read any instructions provided on the label or packaging and contact the manufacturer. We follow a number of safety procedures and protocols when producing products that include spicy seasoning,” the spokesperson said. While the earlier complaint reportedly mentioned the buildup of seasoning dust in the factory, it did not mention any health effects of this on workers. Now that this door has been opened, does it mean I should finally make that box of Flamin’ Hot mac and cheese that’s been sitting in my cupboard for a year and a half?

PepsiCo, which owns the factory, said safety procedures are followed when producing products that include spicy seasoning. I’ve only had 10-15 chips, but you can definitely taste the cool ranch at first, and then the spice builds after a few. I have to eat several of them before the heat starts creeping in, and when it does make its presence known, it doesn’t overwhelm.A spokesperson for the firm added: "We follow a number of safety procedures and protocols when producing products that include spicy seasoning.

We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented here and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. With every crunchy bite, you’ll experience an intense burst of heat that’ll keep you coming back for more. It isn’t that they’re too hot, but I find whatever the hot stuff is detracts from my enjoyment of the classic Cheetos taste. This inspired me to mix Cool Ranch Doritos with Flamin’ Hot Nacho Doritos, and the result was awesome! 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.

The crisps, along with Cheetos Flamin' Hot Puffs, feature a flame icon on the packaging to warn of their heat. Ingredients: Corn, rapeseed oil, Flamin’ hot nacho cheese flavour [flavourings (contains MILK, LACTOSE), onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, white pepper, whey permeate (from MILK), buttermilk powder (from MILK), flavour enhancers (monosodium glutamate, disodium 5’ribonucleotides), sugar, potassium chloride, tomato powder, acidity regulators (citric acid, lactic acid), colourings (paprika extract, annatto bixin, caramel), cheese powder (from milk), whey powder (from milk), skimmed milk powder], salt, antioxidants (extracts of rosemary, ascorbic acid, tocopheroljik extract, citric acid). Workers at the Smith’s Snackfood Company factory in Adelaide have suffered an array of health issues caused by the “flaming hot seasoning” used to make Doritos, the United Workers’ Union (UWU) alleged in a complaint filed with workplace safety regulator SafeWork SA.

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

Information and statements about products are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Some of the chips are liberally coated, but others seem almost like regular Cool Ranch Doritos that were spared the dousing of hell pollen. In fact, Cool Ranch is the first thing I taste and continue to taste, even if my fingers are bright red. In response to the report, PepsiCo told news outlets the company follows numerous safety protocols when working with the spicy seasoning and that worker safety is its top priority, adding that the group is “committed” to working with the union to address any concerns. In its complaint to SafeWork SA, the UWU said: "After interviewing 13 workers from the afternoon shift, 11 reported various effects, including sneezing, coughing, eye and skin irritation, runny nose, sore throat, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing.