Conagra Ordered to Pay $25M to PAM Spray User With Popcorn Lung

Jury finds cooking spray maker fully responsible for man's debilitating lung condition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Los Angeles jury awarded $25 million to Roland Esparza, who alleged that Conagra Brands' butter-flavored PAM cooking spray contained harmful chemicals like diacetyl that caused him to develop the chronic lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as 'popcorn lung', from using the product.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns over the potential health risks of certain food additives and flavorings, especially in widely used consumer products. It also underscores the legal liability companies can face if their products are found to cause serious medical conditions.

The details

Esparza claimed the PAM cooking spray failed to perform as safely as customers would have expected, leading the jury to find Conagra fully responsible for his injuries. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and debilitating lung condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

  • The jury verdict was delivered on February 10, 2026.

The players

Roland Esparza

The plaintiff who developed 'popcorn lung' after using Conagra's PAM cooking spray.

Conagra Brands Inc.

The maker of PAM cooking spray, found fully responsible by the jury for Esparza's injuries.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Conagra must also pay punitive damages in addition to the $25 million jury award.

The takeaway

This verdict serves as a warning to food manufacturers about the importance of thoroughly testing their products for safety and being transparent about potential health risks to consumers.