Home / Crime and Justice / Man Awarded $25M After Pam Spray Caused Chronic Lung Illness
Man Awarded $25M After Pam Spray Caused Chronic Lung Illness
13 Feb
Summary
- Jury awards $25 million to a man alleging Pam spray caused chronic lung disease.
- Conagra failed to adequately warn about diacetyl in butter-flavored Pam.
- The disease, bronchiolitis obliterans, requires a double lung transplant.
A $25 million verdict was awarded to a Los Angeles man in a lawsuit against Conagra, which alleged its butter-flavored Pam cooking spray led to a rare chronic lung disease. The jury determined that Conagra failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with inhaling diacetyl, a butter-flavored chemical used in the product.
The plaintiff, who regularly used the cooking spray multiple times daily since the 1990s, was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as "popcorn lung." This progressive respiratory disease has made him a candidate for a double lung transplant.
Conagra, the manufacturer, stated its disagreement with the verdict and its intention to pursue legal avenues to contest the award. The company emphasized that Pam butter-flavor cooking spray has been diacetyl-free for nearly 20 years, having removed the ingredient in 2009.
This case marks the first popcorn lung verdict against a cooking spray manufacturer, though similar lawsuits have been successful against microwave popcorn makers. Diacetyl's use has been significantly reduced due to health concerns, with warnings also extending to potential risks in e-cigarettes.
