GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A federal judge in Iowa has dismissed a lawsuit brought against microwave popcorn ingredient makers by a Grand Rapids couple who claimed exposure to a buttery flavoring caused the development of a respiratory disease.

On Tuesday, Dec. 24, U.S. District Judge Mark Bennett ruled that David and Barbara Stults were time-barred by Michigan’s three-year statute of limitations on product liability claims.

In August 2011, the couple sued defendants Bush Boake Allen, Inc. and International Flavors & Fragrances, claiming that David Stults developed “popcorn lung” after eating microwave popcorn daily for nearly 20 years.

According to court documents, David Stults was diagnosed in 2009 with bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as "popcorn lung," a rare disease found in factory workers exposed to high levels of diacetyl, which some companies have added to microwave popcorn to impart a buttery flavor and smell.

The couple claimed that David, who liked to inhale the buttery aroma of microwave popcorn, was never warned that the product contained a hazardous chemical.

Although the couple live in Michigan, the suit was filed in Iowa because some of the popcorn was made there. They sought damages for negligence, breach of warranty and loss of consortium against the defendants.

Bennett said the defendants stopped selling flavorings with diacetyl in Jan. 2005.

According to court documents, the Stults’ reached settlements with other popcorn flavor makers named in the lawsuit.

In 2012, a Denver man won a $7.2 million verdict against Gilster-Mary Lee Corp., The Kroger Co. and Dillon Companies Inc. in similar lawsuit.

Garret Ellison covers business, government and breaking news for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at gellison@mlive.com or follow on Twitter & Instagram