Dangers of Microwave Popcorn

[G_j]

FYI

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dangers-of-microwave-popcorn.html

<snip>

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.

<snip>

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

1. Recipe for Plain Brown Lunch Bag Microwave Popcorn

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/plain-brown-popper-recipe/index.html

From Alton Brown

Ingredients

* 1/4 cup good quality popcorn
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or popcorn salt
* Sprinkle jalapeno seasoning mix
* Paper lunch bag
* Stapler

Directions

Toss the popcorn with the olive oil, salt, and jalapeno seasoning mix in the paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over and staple the bag twice to close. Place the bag in the microwave and microwave on high for 2 minutes to 3 minutes, or until there are about 5 seconds between pops.

NOTE: Popcorn salt is a super-fine salt that is designed especially for sticking to food such as popcorn. It has the taste of regular table salt, but its granules are much finer.

[shireen]

2. +1

thanks!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

9. You're welcome!

[blue sky at night]

3. this sounds really cool....

but if you put a steel staple inside the microwave lots of bad things start happening!!!! Sparks, Fire, Smoke?

[madinmaryland]

5. I was wondering about that, too. Why not scotch tape or something like that

to hold the bag together?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

6. With the staples touching the bag and not anything else within the microwave, I haven't had

a problem.



I've even put chinese take out containers with the metal handle and have not had any problems. :shrug:

[blue sky at night]

22. cool I will give it a try!

thanks!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

24. You're welcome! :)

[Warpy]

7. You'll also get a flaming bag

which makes me think that either a plastic paper clip (yes, they make them and I'm not talking about plastic coated steel!) or just folding the bag tightly with a dab from a glue stick would be a better idea.

http://www.officemax.com/office-supplies/clips-fasteners-rubberbands/paper-clips/product-prod2870310?cm_mmc=GBase-_-Office%20Supplies-_-Clips,%20Fasteners%20and%20%20Rubberbands-_-Paper%20Clips&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=21898065

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

8. I just found a link with the same basic recipe that just recommends folding the bag over twice,

period. :)

http://www.squawkfox.com/2010/07/27/popcorn-recipe-gourmet-popcorn/

[Bluerthanblue]

25. we use paper lunch bags, and fold them over 3 times- no tape no

staples and they work perfectly. It also works fine without the olive oil- just put the popcorn in the bag. My son likes his with a little butter-

Been doing this for almost a year now. I wouldn't eat the packaged microwave popcorn if you paid me. yeucch.

:hi:

[JVS]

17. It depends on whether the metallic surface is suited to sparks arcing from one point to another.

Spoons are usually ok, forks go nuts because of the tines. Staples should be ok as long as they are mostly imbedded in the paper sack.

[G_j]

4. that goes perfectly w/ the OP

thanks! :hi:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

10. My pleasure! If you're worried about the staples, try folding the bag over twice, tightly. Here's

another link.

http://www.squawkfox.com/2010/07/27/popcorn-recipe-gourmet-popcorn/

[TheManInTheMac]

11. Sounds fantastic!

I can't abide microwave popcorn. Smells like a chemical plant. This looks super easy and healthy (though I'll probably substitute clarified butter for the olive oil).

For making more, you can find those old-timey stovetop pans that have a crank on the handle to stir the kernels at lots of country stores.

[RaleighNCDUer]

16. I've used the same 2 qt pan for nothing but popcorn for 15 years.

Just have to pay a little attention and jiggle it some as it pops. If I make stovetop popcorn in anything else it just doesn't taste quite right. I swear, the oil and butter have seasoned the pot itself. I don't use it for anything else.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

20. You are making me hungry!

:rofl:

[RaleighNCDUer]

12. I thought metal staples in the microwave was a no no. nt

[Sparkly]

13. Wow, thanks!

I loooove popcorn and the microwave bags are so convenient. This looks like a fantastic alternative! :hi:

[Liberal_in_LA]

14. Sounds good. any sparking from the staples?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

19. I haven't had a problem. I make sure that the staple part doesn't touch anything else in the

microwave. But if you're nervous, try just folding the bag over tight twice at the top. I have a link in another post that actually shows you what to do. :)

[Delphinus]

21. Staples?

In the microwave?

[SidDithers]

15. Either an old article, or a misinformed one...

diacetyl is no longer used. Shouldn't a knowledgeable writer, writing for a health site know that?

Sid

[G_j]

23. your reply prompted me to do a quick search

I can't find anything that says it has actually been banned in foods.
I found reports of popcorn makers announcing they would no longer use it, also reports on worker safety and "popcorn lung".
I also found this (one of the most recent articles I could find)


Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Make Popcorn
Updated: 234 days 23 hours ago

Two years ago, Orville Redenbacher soared from the graveyard and announced in weeks of TV ads that his popcorn was now free of diacetyl.

<snip>

Almost every other popcorn maker followed suit.

<snip>

Even the top lawyer for the flavoring industry said his organization has told anyone who would listen that diacetyl substitutes are actually just another form of diacetyl.

<snip>

When diacetyl trimmer is in the presence of heat and water, it will release diacetyl. And butter starter distillate is not a substitute for diacetyl because it contains high concentrations of diacetyl.

<snip>
Federal health investigators are raising questions about the safety of new butter substitutes used in popcorn.

<snip>

Those companies, citing competition, repeatedly refuse to discuss what they're using today to add the butter flavor to what they sell.

..more..

[SidDithers]

27. So, why didn't the author, or you, post about diacetyl trimmer in the first place?...nt

Sid

[Posteritatis]

26. A lot of the 'health' sites try not to know stuff like that. (nt)

[Arugula Latte]

18. That stuff is just awful.

It's not that hard to make "real" popcorn. We usually make it in an air popper and season it up.