A FEDERAL employee was formally reprimanded this month for excessive workplace flatulence, a sanction that was delivered to him in a five-page letter that included a log of dates and times when he was recorded "releasing the awful and unpleasant odor" in his US office.

In a December 10 letter accusing him of “conduct unbecoming a federal officer,” the Social Security Administration employee was informed that his “uncontrollable flatulence” had created an “intolerable” and “hostile” environment for coworkers, several of whom have lodged complaints with supervisors, The Smoking Gun reports.

The worker, a 38-year-old Baltimore resident, reportedly submitted evidence that he suffered from “some medical conditions” that, at times, caused him to be unable to work full days. But a SSA manager noted in the reprimand letter that, “nothing that you have submitted has indicated that you would have uncontrollable flatulence. It is my belief that you can control this condition.”

According to the letter of reprimand - which is the least severe administrative sanction that can be levied against a federal worker - the man was first spoken to about his flatulence during a May 18 “performance discussion” with his supervisor.

He was informed that fellow employees had complained about his flatulence, and that it was “the reason none of them were willing to assist you with your work.”

Originally published as Worker cautioned for excessive farting