Dangers of Microwave Popcorn

When it’s movie night and you’re getting ready to break out the popcorn, using an air popper or jostling a pot of kernels in a heart-friendly oil on your stove top might be your best choices.

A report from the FDA indicates that a chemical coating used in microwave popcorn bags breaks down when heated into a substance called perfluorooctanoic (PFOA). The Environmental Protection Agency has identified PFOA as a “likely carcinogen.” Another study has found an acid that can be extracted from the chemical causes cancer in animals and is “likely to cause cancer in humans.”

A second potential danger in microwave popcorn is diacetyl, an FDA-approved chemical found in the fake butter flavoring. There’s even a debilitating respiratory disease called “popcorn workers lung,” (the medical name of the condition is bronchiolitis obliterans) suffered by microwave popcorn factory workers caused by extended inhalation of the chemical’s fumes. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH) concluded that diacetyl needs further study so that workers in the flavorings and snack industry are no longer at risk

The Food and Drug Administration continues to study whether consumers can develop lung disease from inhaling diacetyl. In response to the concerns regarding the risks of diacetyl exposure, a number of microwave popcorn manufacturers have discontinued using it in their products.

Pop Your Own
Here’s the way to make popcorn on your stove top: Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or grapeseed oil if you prefer a more neutral taste) into a heavy, 3 quart or larger pan and place on medium high heat. Put two kernels in, and when one has popped, pour in 1/3 cup of pop corn (white or yellow) and cover pan. When corn begins to pop, shake constantly allowing steam to escape from popping kernels–otherwise popcorn will lose its crunch. Remove pan from heat immediately when popping stops or it will burn. Pour into a large bowl and season to taste.

By Terri Hall Jackson, Care2 contributing writer

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Susan A.

10:39PM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Thanks for this info and the suggestions. But I want to know why the manufacturers of the microwave popcorn aren't forced to put the potential dangers on their labels, now that we know about them?!!

send a green star

Elizabeth L.

6:58PM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Use coconut oil as an alternative to oilive oil. It isn't a neutral taste, but does make for delicious popcorn, especially if you add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

Michele W.

11:47AM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Thank you

rene d.

11:21PM PST on Dec 26, 2011

thanks

Sheri P.

10:58PM PST on Dec 26, 2011

that's how we used to make popcorn growing up...by shaking it in a pan on the stove! great memories!!!!

Jennifer C.

1:09AM PDT on Aug 3, 2011

Thanks for the info.