NEW YORK (Reuters) - A mysterious, maple syrup-like odor that has periodically wafted over New York City since October 2005 has been linked to New Jersey fragrance processing plants, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Thursday.

Fragrance and food additive factories in nearby New Jersey where fenugreek seeds are processed are the “probable source” of the odor, Bloomberg told a news conference at City Hall.

The odor has attracted media attention and hundreds of complaints from city residents.