Carbon Dioxide Leak Sickens Workers at Food Plant More than 70 workers at a Northern California food processing plant were sent to hospitals Friday after being exposed to a carbon dioxide gas leak. Television footage showed workers being treated outside Ghiringhelli Specialty Foods in Vallejo following what KTVU-TV reported was a possible leak in a refrigeration unit. Vallejo fire officials said the leak was capped but nearly all 74 workers at the plant suffered at least some effects from the gas. Firefighters arriving at the scene saw about a dozen workers outside suffering from more serious symptoms of carbon dioxide exposure, including vomiting, respiratory problems and difficulty seeing. First responders said they didn't expect workers to suffer long-term effects from the exposure. Sy Neilson, a spokesman for Sutter Solano Medical Center, said the hospital set up special triage units to deal with the influx of patients. The recently opened 50,000-square-foot plant manufactures what the company's website describes as private label fresh and frozen natural foods, including salads, pizzas and grilled meats. Messages left with Ghiringhelli's owners were not immediately returned.