This week in response to pressure from groups such as Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Awareness, food giant ConAgra announced it will pull the chemical diacetyl from it's products. It has been used by many other companies as well as an artificial butter flavour for use in microwave popcorn.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/330230_popcorn05.html?source=mypi
The EPA conducted a report back in 2003 on the risks from exposure to diacetyl and to this day refuses to make the report public. The report was released to industry and until this week nothing had been done. Using the Freedom of Information Act, Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Awareness found a document that showed ConAgra had conducted it's own investigation in 2004, which produced a Consumer Exposure Risk Index to address the potential health concerns. It is surprising that they didn't bother to evaluate the effects of diacetyl on their workers, as many who work in this industry have developed a respiratory illness called bronchiolitis obliterans.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/...know-if-popping-popcorn-at-home-is-dangerous/
Yet another case of government aid in the annals of corporate deviance.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/food/330230_popcorn05.html?source=mypi
The EPA conducted a report back in 2003 on the risks from exposure to diacetyl and to this day refuses to make the report public. The report was released to industry and until this week nothing had been done. Using the Freedom of Information Act, Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Awareness found a document that showed ConAgra had conducted it's own investigation in 2004, which produced a Consumer Exposure Risk Index to address the potential health concerns. It is surprising that they didn't bother to evaluate the effects of diacetyl on their workers, as many who work in this industry have developed a respiratory illness called bronchiolitis obliterans.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/...know-if-popping-popcorn-at-home-is-dangerous/
Yet another case of government aid in the annals of corporate deviance.