Mayor Bloomberg reveals sources of mysterious but harmless maple syrup odors

[bananas]

http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2009a/pr059-09.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 059-09
February 5, 2009

MAYOR BLOOMBERG REVEALS SOURCES OF MYSTERIOUS BUT HARMLESS MAPLE SYRUP ODORS

Recent Odors Emanated From Fragrance and Food Additive Factories in Bergen and Hudson Counties in New Jersey

Data From 311 Overlaid with Wind and Other Atmospheric Mapping Shows Sweet Smells Were Actually Esters Resulting From Manufacture of Products Based on Foenugreek Seeds

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced that a working group comprised of New York City agencies, environmental officials from New Jersey, and the New York City Mayor’s office has determined for the first time the source of mysterious, sweet-smelling odors that have periodically been present in New York City since October 2005. Ongoing chemical analyses had shown that the unknown substance was not harmful, but it was not until one week ago today, when the City fully launched a new strategy and response protocol that included mapping the time and location of 311 odor complaints, overlaying wind and atmospheric conditions, and expediting field air sampling while New Yorkers were smelling the odor, that the smell could be identified and traced conclusively. With the cooperation of personnel from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, City officials have identified a facility in Hudson County that has processed foenugreek seeds to produce flavors and fragrances that resulted in esters being formed in the air on dates when 311 has received a high number of sweet-smelling odor complaints in the City.

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Neither Frutarom nor any of the other processors appear to be violating any rules or laws. New York City, working closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, is still investigating other possible processors that could have contributed to other maple syrup events.

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[Bolo Boffin]

1. Could we have universal healthcare, please?

I'm sorry. I don't really mean to knock this. There could have been a real problem and it was good to track it down.

But, come on!

[billyoc]

2. I remember that day. Weird.