6 Former Food Workers Sue Multiple Defendants Over Alleged Diacetyl Injuries

BELLEVILLE, Ill. - Six former employees of Gilster Mary Lee Midwestern food processing plants have filed a lawsuit against 19 suppliers, alleging pulmonary and respiratory injuries from exposure to diacetyl or diacetyl-containing flavorings. Bahre, et al. v. Berje Inc., et al., No. 11-L-0559 (Ill. Cir. Ct., St. Clair Cty.).

The suit alleging workplace exposure to the common buttery flavoring compound was filed on Oct. 3 in the St. Clair (Ill.) Circuit Court. An amended complaint was filed on Oct. 20.

The amended complaint alleges that Helen Bahre and each of her co-plaintiffs was exposed to diacetyl (also known as biacetyl; …