Diacetyl Regs on Occupational Exposure Reach Pre-Rule Stage
According to the Office of Management and Budget, regulations addressing occupational exposure to diacetyl and food flavorings containing this artificial flavoring, are at the pre-rule stage. OMB has 90 days to review and approve OSHA's proposal before publication in the Federal Register. OSHA anticipated publishing the proposal back in November 2008.
On July 26, 2006, the Department of Labor received a petition for an emergency temporary standard to protect employees exposed to diacetyl, which is a major component in artificial butter flavoring and is used in a variety of products such as microwave popcorn, certain bakery goods, and some snack foods.
Although OSHA denied the request for an emergency temporary standard, it did initiate rulemaking. Evidence from NIOSH and other sources indicated that employee exposure to diacetyl and food flavorings containing diacetyl is associated with a debilitating and potentially fatal disease called bronchiolitis obliterans. To view the rule, go to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?ruleID=291741.
This news article was provided by KellerOnline, (www.kelleronline.com).