The EPA said the Ontario, California based firm violated federal regulations as it did not notify the proper officials immediately following the release of anhydrous ammonia, failed to submit a required Risk Management Plan and inadequate chemical accident prevention.
EPA conducted inspections of the site at the request of local agencies and found that the facility had had over 24 ammonia releases since December 2007.
A 288-pound release was in excess of the 100-pound reportable quantity that required immediate notification of authorities under the federal laws.
The agency said most of the ammonia releases were caused by flaws in the design and operation of systems, which have since been upgrade to prevent future leaks.
Ventura Foods manufactures, packages, and distributes oil-based food products, including shortenings, oils, margarines, salad dressings, mayonnaise, sauces, and syrups and stores and uses anhydrous ammonia in chilling phases of its product processing.