BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) β Federal safety inspectors have cited a Buffalo cheese factory for violations of workplace safety standards and proposed $241,000 in fines.
The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Sorrento Lactalis Inc.'s plan for dealing with hazardous chemicals at the facility is inadequate.
Companies that use large amounts of chemicals are supposed to have plans that anticipate and prevent potential problems. But inspectors say Sorrento, which uses ammonia in its refrigeration process, lacked procedures and tests to properly maintain its equipment.
OSHA says the company has been cited for the same issues in the past, at an Idaho plant.
Sorrento has 15 business days to comply with, or challenge, the findings.
A call Tuesday to the company's Buffalo headquarters wasn't immediately returned.