I’ve been reading about a disease called “popcorn lung” recently. It has been the subject of lawsuits by hundreds of workers at food factories where they use chemicals for the butter flavoring on microwave popcorn. The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association even issued a statement this week recommending reduction of diacetyl “to the extent possible” in flavorings they make. Diacetyl is approved for use in flavors by the federal Food and Drug Administration. But I don’t care what they say, if hundreds of workers are having problems then that sends up a red flag. Even though companies are planning to discontinue using it over the next year, I’m concerned about all the workers and all the consumers. We like air popped popcorn with extra virgin olive oil the best, so we rarely eat microwave popcorn. Maybe more people will start using air poppers again.  Click here to read more.