ConAgra to Stop Using Diacetyl in Microwave Popcorn

ConAgra’s recent salmonella recalls put them in the position to make some big changes, including adding instructions to test with meat thermometers to their Banquet pot pie labels.  These label changes are also expected to happen with other meals, such as Kid Cuisines.
Another change ConAgra will be making is removing diacetyl from its microwave popcorn.

Diacetyl, used to make microwave popcorn taste buttery, has been linked to a painful lung condition for those who inhale the chemical, primarily popcorn industry workers.  Referred to a Popcorn Lung, bronchiolitis obliterans has no cure and can cause those afflicted to require lung transplants.

ConAgra is at the top of the nation’s leading microwave popcorn makers with its Orville Redenbacher and Act II brands.  Competitor General Mills, of the brand Pop Secret, removed diacetyl from its popcorn in October.