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Residents of Murray Hill have achieved a significant milestone in their ongoing fight against International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), a chemical manufacturer accused of releasing unpleasant odors into their community. This week, a judge has granted them the ability to file a class-action lawsuit, positioning it as a crucial victory in their long-standing struggle.
In Jacksonville, Florida, Circuit Judge Robert Dees has approved class certification, paving the way for over 6,000 households to join the lawsuit originally initiated in January 2022 by three lead plaintiffs, including homeowner Natalie Soud.
“We have been pursuing this case for years, and it’s January 2026 now,” Soud remarked, emphasizing the community’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue.
The lawsuit alleges that IFF’s facility, which specializes in the production of flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients, emits noxious odors that detrimentally affect the quality of life and property values in the neighborhood.
The chemical manufacturer, which produces flavors, fragrances and cosmetic ingredients, faces claims that its facility emits foul odors impacting quality of life and property values in the area.
“The lawsuit is about the fact that it is negatively impacting our neighborhood and our property values,” Soud said.
Plaintiffs hailed the ruling as a breakthrough.
“We just reached a really exciting hurdle,” Soud said. “It’s honestly the most movement we’ve seen on this case.”
IFF called the decision a procedural step, not a judgment on the case’s merits. The company says they vow to “continue to vigorously defend itself against the plaintiffs’ claims and expects to appeal this order.”
IFF insists it is not the source of increased odor complaints in Jacksonville, citing city data and neighbor confirmation, and says it uses technologies to prevent odors from leaving the facility.
Plaintiffs counter with evidence of city violations, two cease-and-desist orders and more than 2,000 complaints they say trace back to IFF.
“When you are a company that functions in a community, you have to be a good neighbor, and if you’re not a good neighbor, people are gonna get mad about it,” Soud said.
IFF attorneys had argued the suit was “overbroad” because not all residents experience odors the same way.
Residents say they’re not out to shutter the plant.
“We’re not trying to do anything unfair, we’re not trying to shut the company down,” Soud said. “We’re simply trying to have the company treat us in a way that’s fair and that is legal.”
Residents’ attorney Laura Sheets said plaintiffs must now prove IFF is liable as the odor source and failed at proper controls. The judge gave both sides 30 days to agree on notice to class members about their rights.
