Coffee, coffee beans, coffee grounds which has been linked to Coffee Worker Lung Disease. in many beer styles produced in the United Kingdom, such as stouts, English bitters, and Scottish ales), the presence of diacetyl can be acceptable or desirable at low or, in some cases, moderate levels. I just wonder what are other side effect that will bring this chemicals to our health. Using these simple engineering controls can markedly decrease exposure to diacetyl and butter flavorings and hopefully reduce the risk of flavorings-related lung disease. 2016; National Toxicology Program 2015; Zaccone et al. Now that diacetyl is linked to alzheimers disease it is time to take action to identify the products that diacetyl is in. Monge Brenes AL, Curtzwiler G, Dixon P, Harrata K, Talbert J, Vorst K. PFOA and PFOS levels in microwave paper packaging between 2005 and 2018. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. These toxins can result in a buildup of plaque in the brain, and cause inflammation. Inhalation of butter Puff Bars are the newest phenomenon of e-cigarettes to take over the market. Diacetyl (also called 2,3-butanedione) is a chemical that has been used to give butter-like and other flavors to food products, including popcorn. And like PFAS, these chemicals exist in the environment and appear in blood samples in humans. What do the C cells of the thyroid secrete? Wegerer, J., Nutrition and Dementia: Foods That May Induce Memory Loss & Increase Alzheimers, Alzheimers, January 2, 2014; Can also be directly obtained from animal fat or soy. "Bronchial and bronchiolar fibrosis in rats exposed to 2,3-pentanedione vapors: implications for bronchiolitis obliterans in humans. [23], In 2016, diacetyl was banned in e-liquids/e-cigarettes in the EU under the EU Tobacco Products Directive.[24]. Along with processed foods, diacetyl occurs naturally in some foods and beverages. Much remains to be learned about the potential health effects of the individual component materials and how they interact when combined. Yes, NIOSH believes that we have sufficient information to propose an REL. Fixed Obstructive Lung Disease in Workers at a Microwave Popcorn Factory Missouri, 20002002. The results of the field work confirm the tendency of the NIOSH method to underestimate the true concentration of diacetyl. Also, please describe the cost of any equipment or supplies that you have purchased for use in medical programs associated with exposure to diacetyl or food flavorings containing diacetyl. Most of the information I have read concerns popcorn manufacturing. "Bronchial and bronchiolar fibrosis in rats exposed to 2,3-pentanedione vapors: implications for bronchiolitis obliterans in humans." 40(2012):448-65. The e-liquid industry are aware of Diacetyl in flavourings and have taken steps to ensure that the liquids do not contain Diacetyl. However, we believe that people should be able to know what ingredients are in the products that they use. In this notice, OSHA intends the term diacetyl and food flavorings containing diacetyl to encompass other constituents of food flavorings containing diacetyl. Still, consumers should be aware that some chemicals continue to be in use. Microwave popcorn contains diacetyl, a chemical that may increase amyloid plaques in the brain. This led to higher concentrations of PFAS in the blood serum of fast-food consumers and those who snacked on microwave popcorn, as compared with those who cooked their meals. We anticipate publishing the document in calendar year 2013. And, the chemicals build up in containers where coffee is stored after roasting. This new study found evidence that diacetyl could intensify the damaging effects of an abnormal brain protein linked to Alzheimers disease. Perfluorinated compounds: emerging POPs with potential immunotoxicity. Hubbs AF, et. It is a chemical that may Bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung) is a condition of scarred air sacs in the lungs that thicken and narrow the air passageways. Diacetyl is a man-made chemical that can be found in some foods and drinks, like microwave popcorn. For instance, I use butters and oils almost every day in my cooking, and now I am a bit concerned. Its profile is a distinct buttery aroma and flavor; some say its like buttered popcorn or butterscotch. Both diacetyl and 2,3 pentandione have the reactive -dicarbonyl group that has been associated with the toxicity caused by those compounds. On the other hand, NIOSH concluded that acetoin, which lacks the -dicarbonyl group, "is considerably less hazardous than dicacetyl." I find these studies of diacetyl and health risks shocking, and question if this is only the tip of the iceberg. Alcohol. The data showed 90% of the food purchased from the grocery store was less likely to be tainted by PFAS from packaging, in contrast to the wrapped or boxed fast food. Microwave popcorn has also been linked to a serious lung disease called popcorn lung. "Necrosis of Nasal and Airway Epithelium in Rats Inhaling Vapors of Artificial Butter Flavoring." I. The diacetyl /2,3-pentanedione criteria document team is currently responding to both peer and public comments on the draft document. There are other foods that cause dementia. Coffee, coffee beans, coffee grounds which has been linked to Coffee Worker Lung Disease. In this disease, the smallest airways in the lung (the bronchioles) become scarred and constricted, blocking the movement of air. Do you have an anticipated time line for comment reviews and responses to the Criteria Document that were submitted to the Federal Register in Feb 2014? Dr. Kreiss is the Chief of the Field Studies Branch within the NIOSH Division of Respiratory Disease Studies. Diacetyl is often used as a butter or cream flavoring, which is Desilets AR, et al. PFAS in food packaging: A hot, greasy exposure, Screening and identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in microwave popcorn bags, Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Bronchiolitis obliterans and consumer exposure to butter-flavored microwave popcorn: a case series, Diacetyl in foods: A review of safety and sensory characteristics, Perfluorinated compounds: emerging POPs with potential immunotoxicity, PFOA and cancer in a highly exposed community: new findings from the C8 science panel, Immunotoxicity associated with exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), PFOA and PFOS levels in microwave paper packaging between 2005 and 2018. As a consumer wishing to know the ingredients in the products that you use, we suggest that you carefully read product labels. NIOSH, (2016). Hubbs A., et al. [4][5], Diacetyl is produced industrially by dehydrogenation of 2,3-butanediol. It requires healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and adequate vitamins and minerals. Consuming processed foods, complex carbohydrates, and sugar stimulates the production of toxins in the body. Morgan DL, et. Thank you for this very informative article of yours. NIOSH established recommended exposure limits (RELs) of 5 ppb for diacetyl and 9.3 ppb for 2,3-pentanedione as 8-hour time weighted averages (TWAs). As we move forward with this research we would like your input on the following questions: Lauralynn Taylor McKernan ScD CIH; Kevin Dunn MSEE CIH; Kathleen Kreiss MD; David N. Weissman MD. Manufacturers in the United States terminated PFOA emissions and content in products by the end of 2015. Recognized for both its buttery aroma and flavoring, diacetyl is a natural compound found in foods such as butter, yogurt, a variety of cheeses, and sour cream. However, the AHA warns that not all popcorn treats should be considered optimal snacking choices. Immunotoxicity associated with exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. By 2002, PFOS was phased out both in production and use. [9], In some styles of beer (e.g. Since NIOSH only does occupational research, it has not done work in this area. A distinctive feature of diacetyl (and other vicinal diketones) is the long CC bond linking the carbonyl centers. Dr. Weissman is the Director of the NIOSH Division of Respiratory Disease Studies. The researchers monitored people based on their beverage intake and concluded that sugary beverages and stroke or dementia arent correlated. Is Clostridium difficile Gram-positive or negative? (Abstracts are available on the NIOSH website.). Still, consumers should be aware that some chemicals continue to be in use. 1998 Nov;55(11):1449-55. A 2019 study analyzed seven popcorn corn bags for PFOA and PFOS concentrations and compared them to concentrations found between 2005 and 2018. We agree that people should be able to find out what ingredients are present in the products that they use. Because of this, manufacturers of artificial butter flavoring, margarines or similar oil-based products typically add diacetyl and acetoin (along with beta-carotene for the yellow color) to make the final product butter-flavored, because it would otherwise be relatively tasteless. Once finalized, the proposed NIOSH occupational exposure banding process will be useful for dealing with the myriad of unregulated chemicals in commerce. Honey and most fruits. Diacetyl naturally occurs in the production of butter (in fact, giving butter its flavor), cheese, milk, yogurt, whiskey, wine, beer, vinegar, Diacetyl is also known as the alpha-diketone, 2,3-butanedione, or by its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, 431-03-08. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2 Details below: ACTION: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; withdrawal. WebDiacetyl (also called 2,3-butanedione) is a chemical that has been used to give butter-like and other flavors to food products, including popcorn. Even if that item is labeled as being naturally seasoned it might still contain diacetyl. Even though the human health risk of diacetyl has actually been understood for decades there is no present requirement that a company indicate on a box or label, when a product includes diacetyl. "Respiratory toxicity of diacetyl in C57BL/6 mice." NIOSH investigators also measure temperature and relative humidity during investigations or research studies. Propylene - Emulsifier - May contain animal fats. But . 181 (2012):829-44. WebNational Academy of Forensic Engineers January 1, 2018 Large commercial bakeries use artificial butter flavor (containing diacetyl) in its recipes, and have for more than 40 years. A 1-milliliter charge of e-liquid blend may contain micrograms of diacetyl or acetyl propionyl Acetyl proprionyl has been shown to be just as dangerous as diacetyl. If ingredients described as natural flavor or artificial flavor are listed, you would need to contact the manufacturer to find out if diacetyl is part of the added flavor. It forms from sugars and lipids via various bacteria and heat treatment in various foods and beverages, such as milk. NIOSH published a draft criteria document which included an overview of the scientific literature pertaining to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione in August 2011. A 2020 report examined microwave popcorn packaging and 407 samples of paper, including paperboard food wrappers used by fast-food chains coated with five common PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid, and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid). Leafy Green Vegetables. This issue has already been touched on in response #1. WebFoods containing diacetyl that occurs naturally include: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter. I am a graduate student from the University of Miami in an Environmental Health Course. ; Chicken - Not a vegan food if a byproduct of an animal. Diacetyl occurs naturally in alcoholic beverages and is added as a flavoring to some foods to impart its buttery flavor. Its used as a preservative in unsalted butter to lengthen shelf life, but Professor of neurology at Boston University School of Medicine and a faculty member at Boston Universitys Alzheimers Disease Center, Sudha Seshadri, says that there is no upside to drinking sugary beverages. As a result, many popcorn companies have removed diacetyl from their products. have provided substantial evidence of a causal relationship between diacetyl exposure and development of this disease. A transcript of the public meeting and all stakeholder comments received is posted on our docket website at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/docket245.html . Diacetyl is sometimes an ingredient in Environmental Health Perspectives. 2013;121(11-12):A340. Unfortunately, the foods that hamper memory are common staples in the American diet. The NIOSH flavoring website is updated frequently and might also be of interest to you: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flavorings/. However, a link appeared between PFOA blood serum levels and kidney cancer and testicular cancer in chemical plant workers where PFOA was produced, and also in persons who lived near the facility. In addition, some tobacco flavors also contain diacetyl. Due to the removal of diacetyl and other chemicals, microwave popcorn no longer appears to be damaging to your health. WebDiacetyl - Emulsifier - May contain animal fat as it is derived from Glycerin/Glycerol. American Journal of Pathology. A sampling and analytical method is being developed by NIOSH for the quantitative measurement of diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and potentially other flavoring compounds in dust. This work provides a baseline qualitative and quantitative characterization of diacetyl and related compounds in a common GRAS additive, SDL, and some foods that contain SDL. Based on the available data, the panel reiterated the finding that there were no safety concerns for diacetyl's use as a flavouring. It is recommended that NMAM 2557 not be used to determine the concentration of airborne diacetyl. WebThe diacetyl-containing flavors may be found in microwave popcorn, snack foods, baked goods, and candies. They are used in a wide variety of products such as baked goods (cakes and cookies), confections (candy and chocolates), and snacks (potato or corn chips). Scarmeas N, et al. Add to List 4 information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) discovered that long-term exposure of diacetyl had a direct relationship with reduced lung capacity. A NIOSH project is underway to investigate these factors and determine the extent of this phenomenon. Moran, B., Is Soda Bad for Your Brain? The man was said to have had a two-bag-a-day popcorn habit. Heres a list of foods linked to increased rates of Alzheimers disease: Changing dietary habits is never easy. Cardoso BR. Yes, there are that many flavors containing diacetyland there are just as many that contain acetyl proprionyl & acetoin (other "butter" flavors), especially since diacetyl has been limited or removed from many 'vaping flavors'. Elizas Organics Organic Microwave Butter Popcorn. Currently, even though there is little to suggest significant risk to normal consumers, a sensible precautionary approach is appropriate. In a 2015 report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deemed diacetyl to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as shown by centuries of human exposure to its natural presence in foods without any dire health consequences. However, in animal toxicology studies, heated butter flavoring damaged cells that line the airways of mice. As of 2019, the U.S. continues to allow the use of diacetyl in vape products. Microwave popcorn may contain diacetyl. The Butter Flavorant, Diacetyl, Exacerbates -Amyloid Cytotoxicity. Although toxicity is a complex phenomenon, this information is intended to provide manufacturers with additional information on which to base formulation and [7], Diacetyl is used as a flavoring agent in some liquids used in electronic cigarettes. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. WebThe diacetyl-containing flavors may be found in microwave popcorn, snack foods, baked goods, and candies. Although consumers are less likely to inhale levels of diacetyl in quantities high enough to cause lung damage, last year, one such case was reported in a Denver, CO, man. Also recognize that the flavor blends that do contain diketones have very very small amounts of the ingredient. Can you please provide an update on the status of the criteria document? Oct 2007, "Comments of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States on New Information on Butter Flavored Microwave Popcorn", Pop Weaver introduces first microwave popcorn with flavoring containing no diacetyl, ConAgra Foods press release announcing removal of added diacetyl, OSHA Recommends Safety Measures to Protect Workers from Diacetyl Exposure, "European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - 10 key changes for tobacco products sold in the EU", Preventing Lung Disease and Workers who Use or Make Flavorings, A Case of Regulatory Failure - Popcorn Workers Lung, Scientists Urge Secretary of Labor to Protect Workers from Diacetyl, NIOSH International Safety Card for 2,3-butanedione, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Flavorings-Related Lung Disease, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diacetyl&oldid=1142487226, Articles with dead external links from March 2018, Pages using collapsible list with both background and text-align in titlestyle, Articles containing unverified chemical infoboxes, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 17:39. How important is a healthy diet? Also, there is no cure for the condition once it has developed and begun constricting the airways. Thus, it would be premature to make public health policy intended to prevent Alzheimers Disease based on this report alone. What are some general steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to workers handling diacetyl and other flavoring chemicals? [Epub ahead of print]). Popcorn lung is a rare, chronic disease that becomes worse over time, eventually leading to respiratory failure. In fact, research has shown that a poor diet impacts memory and increases a persons chances of developing Alzheimers disease. Mr. Dunn is a mechanical engineer in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology. Consumers could take simple precautions to minimize the amount of diacetyl and other chemicals that they breathe. 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Diacetyl and related chemicals impart dairy (butter, cheese yogurt), buttery, brown (caramel, butterscotch, brown sugar), butter pecan, and fruit flavors. Toxicological Sciences 103 (2008):169-80. One thing which you may not be aware of is that it also impacts your memory. Using them can also decrease exposures to the thousands of flavoring chemicals that have not been studied for toxicity after inhalation and do not have occupational exposure limits. Health Benefits and Side Effects, Top 20 Antihistamine Foods that Help Fight Inflammation. [12], Concentrations from 0.005mg/L to 1.7mg/L were measured in chardonnay wines, and the amount needed for the flavor to be noticed is at least 0.2mg/L. It is a chemical that may increase amyloid plaques in the brain. Does someone alreday know how much diacetyl can be maximum used for products? Animal foods. Although the paper by More et al raises concerns about interactions between diacetyl and beta-amyloid in a tissue culture system, it does not examine if similar effects occur in living animals or in people. The American Lung Association. Lourida I, et al. A model based on biochemical pathways has been developed. Finally, have there been any advances in sampling methodology, specifically for powdered materials that have these compounds associated with them? At this time, NIOSH is has not identified any specific chemicals to formally band. Clarke R, et al. ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE:CAG) is one of North America's leading packaged food companies, serving grocery retailers, as well as restaurants and other foodservice establishments. In addition to microwave popcorn, flavorings containing diacetyl are commonly used in the production of margarine and butter-flavored oils and cooking sprays, in retail and commercial bakeries, the production of some snack 7 They are also used in fast food packaging and microwave popcorn bags that are water and grease resistant. By Rebeca Schiller Diacetyl is an organic substance that imparts a rich, buttery flavor. Taking too much alcohol is known to have grave effects on the brain. However, avoiding foods that induce memory loss and eating more of the foods that boost memory improves your chances of enjoying all-around health. NIOSH has been investigating the use of a canister-based sampling and analysis for measuring diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and 2,3-hexanedione in air. ; Lactic - Typically derived from plants such as beets. This chemical has been used as a marker of exposure to flavoring vapors in investigations evaluating lung disease in microwave popcorn manufacturing facilities.1 Acetoin (also called acetyl methyl carbinol), 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-hexanedione and 2,3-heptanedione are all structurally related to diacetyl and have been suggested as possible substitutes for diacetyl. It's used in a wide variety of processed foods and has been associated with a few adverse health effects. Exposure Limits & Solutions HSE Releases Safety Alert for Diacetyl Vapor. Consuming these Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). J Clin Psychopharmacol. As a result, between 2002 and 2015, diacetyl and other substances were eventually phased out from microwave popcorn and its packaging. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. Physical activity, diet, and risk of Alzheimer disease. Diacetyl is a highly toxic chemical compound that is very dangerous to not only people who work with it but also to consumers. A transcript of the meeting can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/pdfs/NIOSH-245/0245-082611-Transcript.pdf Public comments submitted to the NIOSH docket can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/docket245.html . If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. [6], Diacetyl and acetoin are two compounds that give butter its characteristic taste. Angies Boom Chicka Pop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn. Side-by-side field samples were collected and analyzed according to NMAM 2557, OSHA method PV 2118, and a modified version of the OSHA method in flavoring manufacturing facilities. Animal foods. As noted in the NIOSH Alert, Preventing Lung Disease in Workers Who Use or Make Flavorings, the flavorings industry has estimated that over a thousand flavoring ingredients have the potential to be respiratory hazards due to possible volatility and irritant properties (alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, aliphatic aldehydes, aliphatic carboxylic acids, aliphatic amines, and aliphatic aromatic thiols and sulfides). 2009 Mar;43(3):514-8. WebThe FDA has found that e-cigarettes can contain chemicals and other substances that are potentially harmful to users, including nicotine, diacetyl, and formaldehyde. NIOSH does not have any authority over consumer products. Diacetyl in petfood Commercial dog and cat foods likely contain diacetyl (DA, Note 1), but analyses are unavailable. Despite the phasing out and cessation in the U.S. and Europe, it is unclear whether production has moved to Asia. Diacetyl is a chemical that was found to be a prominent volatile constituent in butter flavoring and air at the microwave popcorn plant initially investigated by NIOSH. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Saving Lives, Protecting People, http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/REsearch/Files/DiacetylFactSheet.pdf, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/pdfs/NIOSH-245/0245-081211-draftdocument.pdf, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/pdfs/NIOSH-245/0245-082611-Transcript.pdf, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/docket245.html, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flavorings/, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-197/pdfs/2015-197.pdf, https://www.aiha.org/about-aiha/Press/2014PressRelease/Pages/AIHA-Cautions-Against-Indoor-Use-ofElectronic-Cigarettes-.aspx, http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/NewsEvents/ucm428317.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-111/default.html, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. NIOSH found that simple exhaust hoods based on existing designs can dramatically reduce worker exposure during the use and mixing of flavoring chemicals. After the meeting, the peer review period continued until May 2012. Processed meats:Processed meat like bacon, smoked turkey, and ham containnitrosamines. Do flavor additives/preservatives have to go through testing before they are added to our food and mass produced/distributed? Pettegrew JW, et al. After doing a bit of brief research, I found that diacetyl is used in almost all cooking oils, butter substitutes, and sprays (excluding salted butter); diacetyl is being used as both a flavor additive and a preservative. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. NIOSH also recommended a STEL for 2,3-pentanedione of 31 ppb during a 15-minute period. But studies indicate that at least one of these substitutes, which is chemically similar to diacetyl and called 2,3-pentanedione, may be just as damaging to the respiratory tract. NIOSH researchers developed and published an analytical method (NMAM 2557) to measure diacetyl in the workplace. Epidemiology. Japanese sake, a traditional rice wine, is produced by a multistep fermentation process mainly using well-studied strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Aspergillus oryzae derived from koji (Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, 2011 ). food flavorings containing diacetyl. Another report that was published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine in October 2018 connected an ingredient in microwave popcorn butter flavoring, called diacetyl, to lung problems. DATES: The ANPRM on Occupational Exposure to Diacetyl and Food Flavorings Containing Diacetyl, published January 21, 2009 (74 FR 3938), is withdrawn, effective March 17, 2009. They can accumulate over time. There are many foods that cause dementia. Toxicologic Pathology. Although it occurs naturally in some foods, most of the diacetyl in the human diet is artificially manufactured and used to flavor processed food products. Moran, B., Is Soda Bad for Your Brain? 2012 Jan-Mar;18(1):29-42. doi:10.1179/1077352512Z.0000000005. Occupational exposure to diacetyl among workers in microwave popcorn and food-flavoring factories has been linked with respiratory problems and debilitating lung disease. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Workers often have different exposure characteristics, including level of exposure, to flavorings than typical consumers. Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Angie's, also a ConAgra subsidiary, makes ready-to-eat bagged popcorn in a wide variety of interesting flavors: Sea Salt, Sweet 'n Salty Kettle Corn, White Cheddar, Light Kettle Corn, Cheddar The final decision rests with the beer consumer. J Alzheimers Dis. Gu Y, et al. It causes a number of symptoms (coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath) that are similar to symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released formal recommendations for controlling workplace exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, widely-used food flavoring compounds that have been associated with decreased lung function in exposed workers. Hubbs AF, et al.. "Respiratory toxicologic pathology of inhaled diacetyl in Sprague-Dawley rats." According to the American Heart Association (AHA), these grains are associated with a reduced risk of diseases such as. Consuming too little of these foods and too many complex carbohydrates, processed foods and sugar stimulates the production of toxins in the body.