UNITE HERE response to new evidence of chemical hazard from cooking products

The evidence of serious chemical hazard from cooking products requires urgent action by the food industry. It is completely unacceptable that working cooks should have to put their lungs at risk just to complete a day's orders.

The food and fragrance industry has known about the hazardous nature of these chemicals for years - and for most of that time, have stalled on real action. We call upon them to immediately cease the use of diacetyl flavoring in commercial and home cooking products.

UNITE HERE, the primary union in the North American hospitality industry -- will work with our employers and members to seek protection for workers in union jobs. But with over two million working cooks in our economy, only fast action by the food industry will prevent a continuing toll of severe lung disease among these essential workers.

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