Chairmen Waxman and Miller Raise Concerns Over Potential Risk of Popcorn Fumes

September 19, 2007 -- Chairmen Waxman and Miller request information about the potential health risks of diacetyl, an artificial butter flavoring used in microwave popcorn and other foods, which can cause severe lung disease in workers and may also pose serious health risks to consumers.

Following reports that a consumer may have contracted a serious lung disease through home preparation and consumption of microwave popcorn, the Chairmen wrote to EPA Administrator Johnson to request information about EPA’s handling of the potential health risks of diacetyl and FDA Commissioner Von Eschenbach to request a briefing on FDA’s actions regarding the potential health risks to consumers. Letters were also sent to General Mills, ConAgra, American Pop Corn, Weaver Popcorn, and the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association requesting information on their research, communications with EPA or FDA, and the recent decision by many companies to eliminate diacetyl from their microwave popcorn products.

Documents and Links

Letter to EPA Admnistrator Johnson

Letter to FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach

Letter to Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association Director Glenn Roberts

Letter to General Mills CEO Steve Sanger

Letter to ConAgra CEO Gary Rodkin

Letter to Weaver Popcorn CEO Mike Weaver

Letter to American Pop Corn CEO Garrett Smith

Source: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •