Texas Tortilla Factory Cited, Fined Over OSHA Violations

Federal labor regulators this week cited a Houston tortilla maker for 25 serious safety violations and proposed more than $100,000 in fines.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, following a complaint of unsafe conditions at La Espiga de Oro Inc., conducted an inspection in June at its Houston Heights factory. The nearly 40-year-old company employs about 65 workers and supplies restaurants in Texas, Louisiana and Colorado.

Inspectors found improperly protected machinery and that workers risked getting stuck or caught in hazardous areas. They also alleged that employees faced falling risks, electrical hazards and exposure to extreme heat.

"With more than two dozen serious violations, it's clear this company needs to take its employees' safety far more seriously," OSHA assistant area director Steve DeVine said in a statement.

The company has 15 days following its receipt of the citations to comply, request a conference with OSHA officials or contest the findings.