The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its
“National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Microwave Popcorn Processing
Plants,” to add several diacetyl substitutes to its policies and procedures for
minimizing or eliminating worker exposures “to the hazards associated with
microwave popcorn manufacturing.”

Effective January 18, 2011, the NEP now includes 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-hexanedione, 2,3-heptanedione, and “all other related diacetyl substances that share the same alpha-diketone structure, as well as substitute diacetyl trimer and acetoin.” According to OSHA’s David Michaels, “Illnesses and deaths from these chemicals are preventable and this revised directive will help ensure that employers use necessary measures to protect workers from this hazard.” See OSHA Press Release, January 24, 2011.

About The Author

For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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