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Department of Labor (DOL) RIN: 1218-AC33
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Title: • Occupational Exposure to Diacetyl and Food Flavorings Containing Diacetyl

Abstract: On July 26, 2006, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) petitioned DOL for an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for all employees exposed to diacetyl, a major component in artificial butter flavoring. Diacetyl and a number of other volatile organic compounds are used to manufacture artificial butter food flavorings. These food flavorings are used by various food manufacturers in a multitude of food products including microwave popcorn, certain bakery goods, and some snack foods. OSHA denied the petition on September 25, 2007. Evidence from NIOSH and other sources indicated that employee exposure to diacetyl and food flavorings containing diacetyl is associated with bronchiolitis obliterans, a debilitating and potentially fatal disease of the small airways in the lung. Severe obstructive airway disease has been observed in the microwave popcorn industry and in food flavoring manufacturing plants. Experimental evidence has shown that inhalation exposure to artificial butter flavoring vapors and diacetyl damaged tissue lining, the nose, and airways of rats and mice.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified
Agenda		 Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: Undetermined Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations)

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Stakeholder Meeting 10/17/2007 72 FR 54619
Initiate SBREFA 01/00/2008  

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses Federalism: No
Energy Effects: No Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Initial (Administrative Startup and /or Capital) Cost: $0 Yearly (Annual Operating) Cost: $0

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty
Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance
Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N3718,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
FAX: 202 693-1678
Email:dougherty.dorothy@dol.gov
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