Consumer Diacetyl Award Finalized by Settlement

According to a news source, the plaintiffs and defendants in litigation over a respiratory condition allegedly caused by the daily consumption of microwave popcorn containing the butter-flavoring compound diacetyl have settled the claims following a court’s reduction of the jury’s $7-million verdict to $5.78 million, including fees and costs. Watson v. Dillon Cos., Inc., No. 08-91 (D. Colo.). Additional details about the litigation appear in Issue 497 of this Update. Plaintiffs’ counsel Ken McClain reportedly indicated that the settlement terms were confidential. See Law360, February 24, 2014.

Issue 515