When popcorn is hard to swallow
21 January 2008WHEN POPCORN IS HARD TO SWALLOW
Next time you sit down to watch a movie and chow down on some popcorn you might want to choose something that doesn’t contain “artificial butter flavoring.” A Colorado man’s love for microwave popcorn was found to be the cause of his severe respiratory illness.
There are many documented cases of illness among people working in factories that make the artificial butter flavoring used in popcorn; the culprit is a chemical called “diacetyl.” When it is inhaled it permanently damages the airways in the lungs. Many of these workers are now legally disabled and some have even, sadly, required lung transplants.
But now the problem of what has been dubbed “popcorn lung” has been found in a consumer. The Colorado man in this story was know to eat two servings of “buttery” microwave popcorn each day, and apparently he loved to breathe in the heated vapors that emerged from the pouch. Unbeknownst to him diacetyl vapors are particularly dangerous to inhale.
At the end of September the US House of Representatives passed a bill calling for new regulations that would protect workers in plants that use diacetyl. The bill was passed despite the objections of the administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, who wanted more time to study the issue. In the Senate, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Lynn Woolsey, criticized the agency, “While OSHA is dragging its feet over the numerous reports of workers who have died or suffered serious lung disease for exposure to diacetyl, the new case raises concerns that consumers may be at risk as well.”
So far, law suits against the butter flavoring manufacturer, International Flavors & Fragrances, have cost the company $53 million. Butter flavorings in the United States represent a $4.4 billion market. Several companies have discontinued using diacetyl and the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association has recommended that all companies do this.
A study published in the journal of Critical Care Medicine in April of 2006 showed that a blend of borage oil and fish oil were beneficial for patients with acute lung injury. It is not known if this could help victims of popcorn lung.
In the midst of the controversy over popcorn lung and diacetyl, KRAFT announced the introduction of their new toasted butter flavoring, which is made with “natural and artificial flavor” including diacetyl! The company says they are working on a diacetyl-free version.
If you are curious about Diacetyl and what it actually is, this is a posting from Wikipedia, (the free online encyclopedia): Diacetyl is a natural byproduct of fermentation. It is a vicinal diketone (two C=O groups, side-by-side) with the molecular formula C4H6O2.
Don’t worry there is no reason to totally avoid America’s favorite date night snack, there are many good many choices out there for diacetyl free popcorn.
Fontana Family Chiropractic top picks:
365 Organic (Whole Foods Market).
Annies All natural popcorn with cheddar cheese.
Cousin Willie’s white and yellow popcorn in polybag: Microwave popcorn: 93% Fat Free Natural, & Natural.
Cracker Jack caramel popcorn & peanuts – original only.
Eden Organic- Yellow popcorn – 20oz & 50 lb. Bag.
Jiffy Pop Popcorn – blue label only.
Newmans Own Microwave popcorn.
Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at (303) 674 1500 to schedule a consultation or email office@fontanachiro.com
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