Popcorn Too Tempting for Fast-Lane Patients

A year after smoking was banned in all buildings, Mayo Clinic is taking on a new pollutant--the aroma of microwave popcorn.

Employees cannot pop corn in breakrooms, and the clinic has removed the microwave product from vending machines.

The ban was prompted by complaints from patients who were teased by the smell while fasting in preparation for exams, clinic spokeswoman Meg Black said.

“The strong aroma would permeate to patient areas, and it certainly wouldn’t be fair to tell them they can’t eat and then all of a sudden have them smelling popcorn,” Black said.