Researchers have discovered that the ingredient 2,3-pentanedione (PD), used to promote the flavor and aroma of butter in microwave popcorn is a respiratory hazard, which can also change gene expression in the brain of rats. The study is published in The American Journal of Pathology and suggests that acute PD exposure can lead to respiratory toxicity similar to that of diacetyl in laboratory animals. Before using PD to enhance the flavor of butter, manufacturers used diacetyl...

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