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.