Flavoring Producers Object to Consolidation of Personal Injury Cases

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Defendants in two lawsuits alleging injury from popcorn flavoring say that any similarities in the claims are "superficial" and that consolidation will be disruptive and prejudicial. Stillmunkes v. Givaudan Flavors Corp., et al., No. 1:04-cv-00085-EJM; Blood v. Givaudan Flavors Corp., et al., No. 1:07-cv-00142-MWB (N.D. Iowa).

Defendant Firmenich Inc. filed its objection in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on March 16, as did third-party defendant Polarome Manufacturing Co. Defendant Givaudan Flavors Corp. joined Firmenich's opposition.

At issue is a motion by plaintiffs to consolidate for trial claims by Vicki Stillmunkes, who …