Microwave Popcorn Information Center: __________________ Popcorn Danger

ConAgra Foods Inc., has annouced that it will change the recipe for its Orville Redenbacher and Act II brand Popcorns - for the butter flavoring chemical has now been linked to a dangerous lung ailment. The announcement comes after a leading lung research hospital said in a warning letter to federal regulators that consumers, as well as factory workers, may be in danger from fumes from buttery flavoring in microwave popcorn.

The makers of the Popcorn Products have agreed to remove the butter flavoring "diacetyl" from its popcorn because of the risk the chemical presents to workers who handle large quantities. The chemical "diacetyl" has been linked to cases of bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare life-threatening disease often called popcorn lung. ConAgra's announcement comes after another popcorn manufacturer, Weaver Popcorn Co. of Indianapolis, agreed to remove its' butter flavoring ingredients.

Pulmonary Specialists at Denver's National Jewish Medical and Research Center have written to federal agencies stating that they believe they have the first case of a consumer who developed a lung disease from the fumes of microwaving popcorn several times a day for years. A Dr. Cecile Rose sent the letter to federal health officials in July of 2007. The first government study to look at what fumes are produced by microwaving popcorn at home is due to be published by October 2007 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A two-year study by EPA researchers was completed in late 2005 and has been sealed by the U.S. Government. This has prompting critics to charge that the federal agency is protecting industry.