NIOSH: Diacetyl substitutes may be harmful

Morgantown, WV – Butter flavorings used as an alternative to diacetyl may not be safe, concludes a new study from NIOSH.

Diacetyl has been linked to respiratory diseases and skin inflammation, prompting manufacturers to switch to other ingredients. NIOSH tested the flavoring chemicals 2, 3-pentanedione; 2, 3-hexanedione; 3, 4-hexanedione; and 2, 3-heptanedione and found they have the potential to cause skin sensitization similar to inflammation from diacetyl exposure.

The study is scheduled for publication in the December issue of the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology.