Conagra Ordered to Pay $25M in Lawsuit Over Pam Spray

Lawsuit alleges butter-flavored cooking spray caused rare lung disease requiring double transplant.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A jury has awarded a Los Angeles man $25 million in a lawsuit against Chicago-based Conagra, the maker of Pam cooking spray. The lawsuit alleged that the use of diacetyl as a butter flavoring in Pam spray caused the man to develop a rare chronic lung disease that will require a double lung transplant.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns over the potential health risks of certain food additives and flavorings, even in commonly used household products. It also raises questions about product safety oversight and the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure the long-term wellbeing of consumers.

The details

The lawsuit centered on Conagra's use of diacetyl, a chemical compound used to provide a butter flavor, in its Pam cooking spray formulation. Conagra claims it removed diacetyl from Pam in 2009, but the plaintiff alleged the damage had already been done. The $25 million jury award is intended to compensate the man for the rare lung disease he developed, which will require a double lung transplant.

  • Conagra says it removed diacetyl from Pam formulation in 2009.
  • Lawsuit was filed and jury verdict reached in February 2026.

The players

Conagra

A Chicago-based food company and the maker of Pam cooking spray.

Los Angeles man

The plaintiff who was awarded $25 million in the lawsuit against Conagra over the Pam cooking spray.

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What’s next

Conagra plans to challenge the $25 million jury verdict.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential health risks of food additives and the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure product safety, even for commonly used household items like cooking sprays. It also underscores the importance of robust oversight and regulation to protect consumer wellbeing.