By AP/KWMU
Carthage, MO – A jury in Carthage has ruled against four employees of a popcorn factory who claimed butter flavoring caused disabling lung injuries.
The jury deliberated about five hours before ruling 9-3 Monday that International Flavors and Fragrances and its subsidiary, Bush Boake Allen Incorporated, weren't responsible for the injuries of Jasper Popcorn Company plant workers.
It was the third trial against the flavoring makers involving lawsuits filed by employees at the Jasper plant.
In March, jurors in the first trial awarded $18 million dollars in damages to Eric Peoples, of Carthage, and $2 million dollars to his wife.
In April, lawyers announced a confidential settlement in another case.
An attorney for the workers says he'll decide soon whether to appeal.