OSHA Adds Diacetyl Substitutes to National Emphasis Program Document

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.