Diacetyl (2,3-Butanedione)
EATLABEL VERDICT
High Risk
Regulatory scrutiny or health hazard identified
-18 pts
Overview & Primary Purpose
Artificial butter flavor safe for ingestion but notorious for causing irreversible lung scarring ('popcorn lung') when inhaled.
Official Category: Synthetic Flavoring Substance (합성착향료)
3-Nation (KR · US · EU) Regulatory Status
🇰🇷
South Korea (MFDS)
Approved
Approved synthetic flavoring agent
🇺🇸
United States (FDA)
Warning Mandated
FDA GRAS for ingestion; severe NIOSH inhalation hazard ('popcorn lung')
🇪🇺
European Union (EFSA)
흡입 노출 엄격 규제
Banned in e-cigarettes; strict workplace aerosol limits
Commonly Found Foods
Microwave butter popcornbutter cookiesimitation butter sprays
Safer Clean-Label Alternatives
✓ Cultured butter oil✓ Concentrated milk fat
Check if this additive is in your snack!
Snap a photo of the nutrition label with Eatlabel to get an instant 3-nation safety score in 3 seconds.
Open Eatlabel Scanner →