Defense Verdict Stands in Consumer Popcorn Lung Lawsuit

A jury verdict for makers of diacetyl, a butter flavor once found in microwave popcorn, withstood an appeal in the Eighth Circuit (Stults v. Am. Pop Corn Co., 2016 BL 66285, 8th Cir., 14-3658, 3/4/16).

David and Barbara Stults alleged David, who ate up to three bags of microwave popcorn a day for 20 years, developed the lung disease bronchiolotis obliterans from exposure to diacetyl. Stults followed “a ritual” where he would slowly open a freshly popped bag and inhale the aroma.

A jury returned a verdict for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., and subsidiary Bush Boake ...