Miller, Woolsey: OSHA's Action on Food Flavorings Will Not Keep Workers Safe

Federal Scientists Had Warned of Diacetyl Threat in 2002 & 2003, But Labor Department Continues to Fail to Issue Emergency Standard

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Reps. George Miller (D-CA) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) said today that announced action by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration on workplace health hazards posed by diacetyl, a chemical contained in butter flavoring used to make microwave popcorn and other consumer products, will not do enough to keep workers safe.

"Today's announcement from the Labor Department falls far short of what is necessary to prevent deaths and serious illnesses among workers in the food flavoring industry, and it falls far short of what House Democrats last year asked the Department to do to protect these workers," said Miller, chairman of the Education and Labor Committee. "Diacetyl exposure has already killed three workers and permanently sickened dozens of others, many of whom are waiting for lung transplants. OSHA scientists urged broad action in 2002 and 2003 after the first reports of 'popcorn lung' appeared in 2000.  Instead of issuing tough standards then, OSHA relied on unenforceable voluntary measures to protect workers.

"In August 2006, Democrats asked the Labor Department to immediately issue an emergency standard to limit diacetyl exposure among workers," said Miller. "The Department has still not issued such a standard. It is shameful that OSHA refuses to act even as workers' lives remain at risk. OSHA should immediately provide a meaningful level of protection to all workers who might be exposed to diacetyl."

"I join Chairman Miller in his outrage about OSHA's announcement," said Woolsey, chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.  "At our hearing today on OSHA standards, my subcommittee heard real life consequences of damage done when OSHA drags its feet on issuing standards to protect the health and safety of America's workers.  OSHA has known about this hazard for years and has yet to act appropriately."

Exposure to diacetyl has been linked to a severe, irreversible lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans. House Democrats urged the Labor Department to address this serious health hazard last year. For more information and for a copy of the August 2006 letter from House Democrats to the Department of Labor, click here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kiley / Rachel Racusen
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