A FACTORY run by US household goods firm Clorox was taken over by Venezuela’s government on Saturday, a week after the firm ordered it closed.

The transnational firm shut down production last week, claiming to have been operating at a loss due to government-imposed price freezes and soaring costs.

But Caracas insisted that Clorox had illegally abandoned the country and responded by taking over the factory and saving 800 jobs.

Clorox claimed that the takeover could spell safety risks for workers and nearby residents.

It has removed all chlorine from the site and locked down equipment.

“The Venezuelan government’s actions raise grave concerns and Clorox and its affiliates cannot be responsible for the safety of workers and the surrounding communities,” the company said.

However, Vice-President Jorge Arreaza made clear that officials would not rush and would take all safety measures necessary.