Resources for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA Begins Rulemaking Process on Diacetyl

www.occupationalhazards.com

OSHA announced Sept. 25 it will start the process to regulate the flavoring agent diacetyl – found in many microwave popcorn brands – as well as provide workers with material that will address concerns regarding diacetyl exposure in the workplace.

According to OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke Jr., the rulemaking builds upon the National Emphasis Program OSHA announced in April, which addresses the hazards and control measures associated with working in the microwave popcorn industry.

“OSHA’s goal is to protect workers from exposure to chemical hazards associated with microwave popcorn manufacturing,” said OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke Jr. “Our open, transparent regulatory process will seek information and guidance from all stakeholders to gather the best information on the health effects of exposure to diacetyl. That information will allow us to institute effective protections for workers.”

In addition to initiating a rulemaking on diacetyl, OSHA said it will be issuing a safety and health information bulletin that will inform workers about the health effects of being exposed to butter flavorings in microwave popcorn. The bulletin also will provide information on controls that can be used to reduce exposure to butter flavorings and information on applicable OSHA standards.

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