Diacetyl
Legislation
[Posted 10/02/07]
On
September 26, members of the US House of
Representatives voted to have the federal government
regulate food workers’ exposure to diacetyl, a
chemical used in butter flavoring. The chemical is
suspected to cause bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome
(BOS), a serious lung disease that afflicts workers
in the microwave popcorn manufacturing industry.
The
Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act (HR
2693) requires the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) to issue an interim standard
to protect workers from occupational exposure to
diacetyl and to set a permanent standard within two
years. Under the bill, yet to be considered by the
Senate, companies must minimize worker exposure to
diacetyl via workplace engineering controls, worker
training, protective clothing and equipment, and
medical surveillance.
The
lack of an OSHA standard on diacetyl “has endangered
the health of families,” said Rep. Betty Sutton
(D-Ohio). “That is why we have to act today. Workers
should never have to choose between their health and
feeding their families.”
While
there is no evidence of any danger to people who eat
microwave popcorn containing diacetyl, a number of
companies that produce popcorn have indicated they
will stop using the chemical in their food products.
Related Links:
AP Article (Google News)
Occupational Health Tracker Article
(PDF
392KB - summarizes the hazards workers face)
Return to News
Summary Page:
Occupational Health News Summaries