LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A controversial policy limiting the number of bathroom breaks for Jim Beam employees has been rescinded.

The distiller voluntarily rescinded the policy restricting bottling-line workers at its Clermont plant to four breaks per shift.

Company officials said that they had imposed the restrictions in response to workers who abused the old policy that allowed unlimited breaks.

Workers became outraged when the restrictions took effect in October.

Union officials said that some employees had urinated on themselves because they were afraid of breaking the policy, and some had started wearing protective undergarments.

The Kentucky Labor Cabinet cited the company and claimed the policy illegally impeded employees' access to toilets.

The company has appealed the state citation.