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Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Senators Press Federal Agencies on Diacetyl

Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) have written to the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expressing their concern over diacetyl exposure and asking the agencies to take action. (More from the Pump Handle blog here.)

The federal government, the popcorn industry and public and occupational health advocates have known for some time that exposure to diacetyl — a chemical used to give microwave popcorn its buttery flavor — can cause severe lung problems for workers in the popcorn manufacturing industry.

Recent evidence shows the presence of diacetyl in microwave popcorn may also pose a danger to consumers. The news has thrust the issue back into the national spotlight. No word yet on how FDA and CDC might respond to the Senators' letters.

Congress might also consider prodding the Environmental Protection Agency on its response to the potential danger to consumers. As OMB Watch has reported, in 2003, EPA began studying the risks and completed a report last year. EPA has released the report to the popcorn industry but has refused to give access to the public.

The popcorn industry has begun to take voluntary steps to eliminate the use of diacetyl and should be commended. However, that is no reason for EPA to withhold crucial public health information from concerned Americans. Federal officials should be in the business of fostering knowledge, not hiding the facts.