Respiratory Health and Safety Information
7/03/07
Worker safety is an issue of paramount importance to the flavor industry. Through the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA), the U.S. flavor industry has addressed respiratory health and safety in flavor manufacturing for more than ten
years. FEMA has sponsored workshops and meetings on this important subject and has regularly provided its members with information on developments in workplace safety.
The control of potential exposures and medical surveillance programs are of critical importance in preventing work-related lung disease in the flavor manufacturing industry. In addition, it is recommended that special efforts be made to assure effective communication about potential hazards with all workers, especially those who may not be proficient in English. Flavor production workers, especially young males who have never smoked, represent a population of workers that
should receive increased attention related to exposure protection and disease prevention.
Much information is available on this subject from FEMA and government agencies. We strongly encourage flavor manufacturers to share information on this very important subject with their customers that use flavors to manufacture foods containing added flavors. The
following are among the most relevant and important sources of information:
Respiratory Health and Safety in the Flavor Manufacturing Workplace.
FEMA. August 2004.The OSHA and NIOSH websites both have significant information on
“flavorings-related lung disease.” You may access this information at:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/flavoringlung/ and
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flavorings/- Preventing Lung Disease in Workers Who Use or Make Flavors. NIOSH.
December 2003.
- Flavor and fragrance ingredient data sheet on diacetyl.
Additional information is available from FEMA. Please contact John Hallagan at:
1620 I St., N.W.
Suite 925
Washington, D.C. 20006
202.331.2333
Hondobear@aol.com