The “popcorn lung” trial has recently wrapped up in the United States with a man who ate a great deal of microwave popcorn being awarded over $7 million by a federal court because of a life-threatening disease that he gained from the popcorn.
Reuters reports indicate that the jury on the case deliberated for just a single day, and then decided that damages in the case were going to be given to the plaintiff. It was found that the manufacturer of the popcorn was 80 percent liable for damages, and the parent company, were liable for about 20 percent.
The condition is something that is not reversible, and has caused his lungs to become clogged with his own tissue. The condition is associated with a certain chemical flavouring that is used to make foods taste buttery and smell good. Previous cases of this disease from microwave popcorn have been found in workers from the production plants, but never in a consumer before.
Plaintiff Wayne Watson was diagnosed in 2007 with “popcorn lung” that he claims resulted from years of inhaling the scent of the artificial butter used in microwave popcorn. Watson claims to have eaten microwave popcorn every day that he purchased from King Soopers.
The jury found the supermarket chain and the popcorn maker acted negligently for their failure to warn about the dangers of diacetyl on the product’s label, according to Reuters. Kroger says it will appeal the decision.
If you or someone you know suffered harm from an unsafe food product, contact Sokolove Law for a free consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you.
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