Clorox says Venezuelan seizure of shuttered facilities puts workers and residents at risk

CARACAS, Venezuela – Clorox says Venezuela's decision to seize the company's shuttered facilities near Caracas may pose safety risks for workers and nearby residents.

The Oakland, California-based Clorox Co. closed its production facilities this week saying that government-imposed price freezes and the soaring costs of materials and operation had made it impossible to earn a profit.

Venezuelan authorities claim Clorox has illegally abandoned the country. It responded Friday night by seizing the Clorox factory in a move it said would save some 800 jobs.

Clorox, however, says the production of cleaning products such as bleach is a highly specialized process. It says that in light of the government's takeover, the company and its affiliates cannot be responsible the safety of workers of surrounding communities.