Dangerous Popcorn Chemical Removed

December 2007

Enjoying freshly popped microwave popcorn may have just gotten a little a safer for your lungs. Orville Redenbacher, Act II, Pop Secret, Jolly Time, and Weaver Popcorn brands have modified their recipes and removed diacetyl, a dangerous chemical linked to lung disease.

Diacetyl has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of bronchiolitis obliterans in popcorn plant workers over the past few years. In July 2007, the first known case of a consumer contracting lung disease from diacetyl in popcorn was disclosed in a letter to the Food and Drug Administration.

The largest producers of microwave popcorn will be diacetyl-free by 2008. The Weaver Popcorn Company removed diacetyl from its production process in August of this year, while General Mills removed the chemical in October. ConAgra has announced its diacetyl removal this month, while the American Pop Corn Company is only weeks away from taking the hazardous chemical out of its entire popcorn production line.