Insurer Moves for Summary Judgment in Popcorn Flavoring Coverage Case

ATLANTA — Columbia Casualty Co. (NYSE: CNA) has moved for summary judgment in its declaratory judgment action against Sensient Flavors and a Sensient employee who alleges serious injury from exposure to workplace chemicals, including the popcorn-flavoring diacetyl.

Columbia submitted the motion to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia Dec. 21 and filed a supporting Statement of Material Facts under seal Dec. 26. Sensient’s response is due on Feb. 1.

Columbia filed its declaratory judgment action in July, disputing Sensient’s claim for coverage of a lawsuit pending in Georgia state court in which food worker Kenneth F. …