Study: Artificial butter flavor in popcorn can damage lungs

A new study released recently found that exposure to an artificial butter flavor used in popcorn and other foods can damage the noses and airways of mice. The tests showed that diacetyl, a component of artificial butter flavor, can cause a serious condition that can lead to obliterative bronchiolitis or "popcorn lung."

In the tests, conducted by scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health, mice that inhaled diacetyl vapors for three months developed lymphocytic bronchiolitis—a potential precursor of obliterative bronchiolitis. None of the mice, however, were diagnosed with the more-serious disorder.

Obliterative bronchiolitis is a life-threatening lung disease that has been detected in workers who inhale significant concentrations of the flavoring in microwave popcorn packaging plants. "This is one of the first studies to evaluate the respiratory toxicity of diacetyl at levels relevant to human health. Mice were exposed to diacetyl at concentrations and durations comparable to what may be inhaled at some microwave popcorn packaging plants," said Daniel L. Morgan, Ph.D., head of the Respiratory Toxicology Group at the NIEHS and co-author in a release on the study. It appears online in the journal, Toxicological Sciences.

The authors conclude that these findings suggest that workplace exposure to diacetyl contributes to the development of obliterative bronchiolitis in humans, but said more research is needed.

At the end of last year, four leading popcorn manufacturers—Weaver Popcorn Company, ConAgra Foods (maker of Orville Redenbacher's and ACT II), General Mills (Pop Secret) and American Pop Corn Company (Jolly Time)—announced plans to voluntarily eliminate diacetyl from their products. To address consumer concerns, some companies indicate that their product s are diacetyl-free on the packaging. Still, a number of consumer groups are calling for stronger measures regulating diacetyl.

Comments

[Jane Hersey]

Not only is the artificial flavoring a problem for some people, but the synthetic yellow dye that is usually added to "butter" flavoring is an even bigger problem. There are many studies that show the link between food dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 can cause serious problems for sensitive people.
Yellow dye has long been linked to asthma, hives, and other health problems. As far back as the 1990s researchers in Australia showed that even a small dose of this stuff can trigger disturbed behavior in children. This is not surprising since the majority of the dyes used food in the United States start out in petroleum refineries in China.
To access the studies on food additives, including artificial flavorings and colorings see www.diet-studies.com and www.ADHDdiet.org.

[Jerry B]

I am very happy to see that popcorn manufacturers are removing Diacetyl from their products. It is not the consumer ConAgra and others are concerned about, but more importantly, their workers. I am hoping that the popping oil I used for the years I worked in the concession business will also be Diacetyl-free. Note my earlier comments, and no, this is not sensationalism. I lived it. My pulmonologist insisted I find another profession. "learn to paint or write, or something else. He had known about Diacetyl in factory workers, but had not thought of those popping the corn for a living.

[Jerry B]

For 3 years beginning March 2002 to May 26, 2005, I operated a commercial popcorn popper at a concession stand. At least 4 times a day, I breathed the smoke and fumes from the kettle as I emptied it into the heated bottom where I would stir the popcorn to remove unpopped kernels. Before, After 2 CT Scans and a full lung biopsy, I was tested at less than 40% of expected lung function. I received 24/7 oxygen therapy for 9 months. Before, I was very active and could ride a bicycle 20 miles several times a week. I see a pulmonologist regularly. My lung function is now hovering close to 70% of expected. I have only recently begun discovering the warnings about Diacetyl. Why are popcorn machines not investigated for their Diacetyl exposure? There are thousands out there at risk, just as I was. I am not bitter, but would like to raise some serious questions and save others from serious lung problems.

Jerry

[basil]

wow, this is excessive sensationalism CR. shame on you.

the exposure in home consumption is trivial compared to a production environment. nobody sits around and breathes their fiberglass insulation. if they did i can assure you they would develop silicosis of the lungs.

CR, this just creates unwarranted paranoia.

[Drew]

I have purchased a box of Orville Redenbacher's Natural popcorn. The popcorn showed no "diacetul" in the ingredients and it tastes a lot better than the other kinds of popcorn.

[Linda]

I just checked my open box of Orville Redenbacher's Tender White with 'real butter'. It says 'NO ADDED DIACETYL BUTTER FLAVORINGS'.
I wonder how natural the 'NATURAL FLAVORS' really are?

[EW Gage]

I am pleased that the four leading popcorn manufacturers are voluntarily discontinuing the use of diacetyl in their products. I am concerned about the other manufacturers of popcorn products. Should they not follow in the footsteps of their larger competitors, it is possible that for the safety of their workforce, legal steps may need to be taken. At this time, however, I would wait and see what action the smaller companies take in the next few months. Their workers may need to contact their union or take action in other ways.

[Ann Manly]

Diacetyl is harmful to restaurant workers and other food-industry workers, not just mice.

[Gsilver]

i feel vindicated, somewhat. the smell of the stuff makes my head hurt. it stunk up the place at my last job and i always wondered how long the bags had been in the vending machine and what temperature ranges they'd been through. the machine was outside and it could get very hot.

[Betsy Hayward]

I just purchased a box of Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, and there is no indication on the package that they have stopped using the product "diacetul" in their popcorn. It appears they have not kept their word. Is there some way to check if the popcorn I purchased is indeed "diacetul free"?