New Mexico Cheese Factory Releases Toxic Gas – Injures 20

Who cut the cheese? An accident at a cheese factory in Clovis, New Mexico released a toxic gas that injured 20 with at least 2 injured critically.

Southwest Cheese, located in Clovis, New Mexico was the site of the accident that happened December 30th. The gas appears to have been contained within the building. Clovis is about 300 miles from El Paso.

Fox News reported an equipment malfunction spilled chlorine which then mixed with acid, creating the toxic gas.

"The Clovis Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team was activated and responded to the scene," the press release noted. "New Mexico State Police is coordinating with Southwest Cheese in cleaning the hazardous chemicals."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Southwest Cheese said that a mechanical failure caused a "chemical overflow," and employees reported "a strong smell" emanating from one of the factory's rooms. - foxnews.com

According to tricityrecordnm.com, Southwest Cheese has been in business since 2005 and processes billions of pounds of mil every year which, in turn, produces over 588 million pounds of block cheese and over 36 million pounds of whey protein powders.

What Is Whey Protein Powder?

Whey, (not guey, guey), is milk protein that separates from milk curds when making cheese. It's used mostly as a protein supplement but can also raise nutrients in people's diets and help with muscle strength and athletic performance.

It may also, (they're not really 100% sure on this), be used to help with asthma, diabetes, weight loss and other several other conditions. It may also be beneficial to the immune system.