Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a consent decree Wednesday requiring Prestige Feed Products LLC to pay $185,000 in civil penalties for air and noise pollution violations at its former Mount Prospect, Illinois, animal feed manufacturing plant.
Residents endured more than six years of persistent burnt cheese odors, filing over 1,600 complaints since the business opened in 2019. More than 150 residents logged complaints between June 2023 and December 2025, when Prestige ceased operations.
The plant dehydrated raw soy and cheese-based materials into animal feed ingredients.
Residents kept windows closed and could not enjoy outdoor activities. Nearby schools, a daycare and preschool kept children indoors when odors were present.
Prestige was forced to cease operations by Dec. 31, 2025, following a separate settlement with Mount Prospect and Des Plaines. Earlier this year, Prestige entered a $900,000 class action settlement with affected residents. Property owners within a half mile have until June 20 to submit settlement claims. Cook County circuit court will consider approval July 21.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency referred the case to the Attorney General’s office. Illinois EPA Director James Jennings said the consent order imposes significant civil penalties to deter violations of Illinois law.
