Consumers At Risk From Popcorn Fumes? A Doctor Warns Federal Regulators
According to the Associated Press…
Diacetyl – it’s been linked to popcorn workers’ lung, and it is now being reported that consumers, not just factory workers, may be in danger from fumes from this buttery flavoring additive in microwave popcorn.
A pulmonary specialist, Dr. Cecile Rose, at Denver’s National Jewish Medical and Research Center has written to federal agencies indicating that the Center believes they have the first case involving a consumer who developed lung disease from the fumes of microwaving popcorn several times a day for years. Also, Dr. Cecile Rose cautioned, “We cannot be sure that this patient’s exposure to butter flavored microwave popcorn from daily heavy preparation has caused his lung disease. However, we have no other plausible explanation.”
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as well as the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) are working on a response to Dr. Rose’s letter and the issues raised by the letter. In response to Dr. Rose’s finding, the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association issued a statement recommending that its members reduce, “to the extent possible” the amount of diacetyl in butter flavorings they make.