NY Maple Aroma Mystery Solved

NJ fragrance factory source of mysterious smell
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 5, 2009 12:57 PM CST
NY Maple Aroma Mystery Solved
A bottle of maple syrup is seen at Hand Hollow Sugar House in New Lebanon, N.Y., Monday, Feb. 25, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

The maple syrup-like smell that pervaded Manhattan at certain times in recent years, puzzling residents and government officials, came from a New Jersey factory, the New York Post reports. After a lengthy investigation, city officials today revealed that the aroma originated at the Frutarom fragrance factory, which produces ester, a substance used to make scents and food flavorings.

"Given the evidence, I think it's safe to say that the 'Great Maple Syrup Mystery' has finally been solved," Mayor Mike Bloomberg said. "The Health Department confirmed that the odor does not pose a health risk, but I am pleased to know that our smelling sleuths got to the bottom of this."
(More New York stories.)

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