Today, companies use various chemicals to boost food flavors, colors, or textures. It is not uncommon to spot chemical food additives in your favorite products, given their flavor-enhancing properties. Yet, the debate continues regarding the safety and possible toxicity of chemical additions to food. One chemical called diacetyl is popular because it is responsible for a “buttery” flavor and smell. While many have come to enjoy the taste of diacetyl, exposure to diacetyl vapors may be harmful. Studies suggest inhaling diacetyl fumes can result in a debilitating lung condition, bronchiolitis obliterans. Have you or a loved one been exposed to diacetyl vapors? Reach out now to learn how our lawyers can assist you in filing a diacetyl exposure lawsuit.
The Lake Law Firm is accepting cases on behalf of individuals harmed by diacetyl exposure. Diacetyl exposure lawsuits allege industries have concealed the life-threatening effects of the chemical from workers and the public.
Diacetyl is both a naturally occurring and synthetic chemical. It is a yellow liquid with a distinct buttery flavor, making it a frequent food additive. Diacetyl is a byproduct of yeast during fermentation and is naturally present in beer, wine, vinegar, coffee, oil, and butter. Although it is primarily renowned for its “buttery” taste, companies use diacetyl to impart a “creaminess” in foods. Companies rely on diacetyl to replicate dairy flavors, smells, and textures like butter or cheese. Also, diacetyl is often added to mimic “brown” flavors, such as caramel or butterscotch.
Chances are most foods with buttery flavor profiles likely contain diacetyl, even if it is not a listed ingredient. Several food industries have incorporated diacetyl into their products for decades. Manufacturers have widely integrated diacetyl into:
Have you worked in any of the above-referenced industries? If you were later diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, you may have been exposed to diacetyl vapors. This impairing lung condition severely limits the lung capacity of its victims. Our lawyers have extensive experience in confronting corporations and manufacturers that put the lives of workers at risk. At The Lake Law Firm, we have the necessary resources and team to fight for you in a diacetyl exposure lawsuit.
The FDA categorizes diacetyl as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient. That being said, the FDA does not monitor or regulate GRAS certification for food flavorings. Furthermore, diacetyl is safe only so far as ingestion. The current consensus on the safety of diacetyl does not refer to the inhalation of its vapors. The Food & Extract Manufacturers Association nor the FDA have considered diacetyl regarding whether it is acceptable to breathe in.
Lawsuits cite the heating and inhaling of diacetyl as the primary concerns for health and safety. The CDC and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have acknowledged the toxicity of diacetyl vapors, citing respiratory impairment and other adverse health effects. NIOSH has set recommended exposure limits in light of growing evidence supporting the danger of diacetyl vapors. The agency recommends 5 ppb of diacetyl for an 8-hour period, with a 15-minute short-term exposure limit of 25 ppb.
You may have seen the term “popcorn lung” mentioned when the media discusses diacetyl. “Popcorn lung” is an alternative name for the progressive lung condition, bronchiolitis obliterans. Many attribute the lung disorder to popcorn because it frequently was reported in workers producing microwave popcorn. However, bronchiolitis obliterans spans several industries that involve diacetyl.
Diacetyl vapors can enter the lungs during the manufacturing process and turn the small airways into scar tissue. The buildup of scar tissue in the lungs inhibits oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. Sadly, doctors regularly misdiagnose bronchiolitis obliterans as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or emphysema.
Also, diacetyl exposure may lead to skin irritation, eye and throat injuries, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.
The extensive use of diacetyl in the food industry has exposed countless unsuspecting individuals to its toxic vapors. Workers and the general public have filed lawsuits diacetyl exposure lawsuits. Plant workers are highly susceptible to inhaling diacetyl on the job. Meanwhile, communities located nearby manufacturing plants may suffer diacetyl exposure.
Diacetyl exposure lawsuits have yielded significant verdicts for victims numbering in the millions. For example, in 2010, a jury awarded $30.4 million to a worker at a Jasper popcorn plant. Bronchiolitis obliterans stemming from diacetyl left the worker permanently disabled and in need of a future lung transplant. Also, another worker at a food flavoring plant received $2.6 million in 2015 after contracting bronchiolitis obliterans.
If you are unsure how to file a diacetyl exposure lawsuit, The Lake Law Firm is here to support you. Our lawyers will work endlessly to see that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. While a lawsuit cannot restore your health, it can help you cover expenses related to your injuries from diacetyl. Furthermore, a lawsuit will seek the appropriate retribution against the negligent parties that exposed you to the hazardous chemical.
If you or a loved one were exposed to diacetyl vapors, you may receive compensation for any or all of the following:
Do you believe diacetyl vapors contributed to your bronchiolitis obliterans or other injuries? Partner with The Lake Law Firm today to begin your potential diacetyl exposure lawsuit. Our lawyers will stop at nothing to advocate for you, your health, and your rights. Not only can a diacetyl exposure lawsuit help you, but it may protect other individuals from diacetyl by holding the responsible companies accountable.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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