Residents seek injunction against local food firms for smells

Foul odours, allegedly caused by London-based Katsouris Fresh Foods and Kolak Snack Foods, have forced local residents to seek an injunction against the firms.

The residents have appointed law firm Hugh James to represent them in their legal action.

“Residents say that the odour is so strong that it prevents them from opening their doors and windows in the summer and some even report that their washing picks up the strong smell of hot fat and oil,” said Hugh James. “The residents continue to experience the odours despite numerous complaints to the local authority and a number of enforcement notices having been served on the sites by the local authority.”

Hugh James specialises in nuisance claims and is representing the residents who are seeking compensation for past nuisance and an injunction to prevent the nuisance from happening in the future. The residents are represented on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.

“We are confident that the claim is gathering momentum and would encourage anybody who has been affected by odour from the factories to get in touch to find out how they can join the group action,” said the firm.

Katsouris claimed that it was taking its community responsibilities extremely seriously. “At the two factories in question, we have various odour control measures in place, which are subject to monitoring and review as to their effectiveness by internal and external parties,” said a spokesman. “Furthermore, Katsouris has responded appropriately to two enforcement notices that were served on its Elveden Place and Abbeydale Road factories over three years ago.

“In view of the alleged claims raised by local residents via Hugh James, we are unable to comment further at this time for legal reasons."

Kolak was unavailable for comment as Food Manufacture went to press.

Ealing Council claimed to have had a total of four new complainants this year about Kolak and Katsouris. “Statutory Odour Abatement Notices have been served on two Katsouris sites in London Borough of Brent (on Ealing border) and the Kolak Factory in the London Borough of Ealing,” said a spokeswoman.