USA Today on Monday said Al Bolles, vice president of research for the company, made the assurance to ensure the safety of ConAgra workers' health. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health had found that a rare lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans afflicted workers handling the chemical used to give popcorn a buttery and creamy flavor.
In September, the department recommended safety standards for the handling and use of diacetyl in popcorn factories but ConAgra decided to remove the chemical in its production lines starting November. ConAgra began reformulating its Orville Redenbacher and Act II brand popcorns one year ago to protect plant workers.
General Mills, the nation's largest producer of popcorn under the brand Pop Secret, removed diacetyl from its products in October. American Pop Corn Co. of Sioux City, Iowa is also removing diacetyl from its popcorns branded as Jolly Time.
