Popular Kerrygold butter varieties return to NY store shelves
Two Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter varieties pulled from store shelves in New York state late last year are once again being sold after packaging changes prompted by a new state law.
Popular Kerrygold blocks sold in gold- and silver-colored foils and sticks sold in gold- and silver-colored boxes were yanked because of a measure that went into effect Dec. 31 banning PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, in food packaging.
Since the 1940s, man-made PFAS have been used in a variety of items to make them water- stain- or grease-resistant or non-stick.
Known as “forever chemicals” because they linger in the environment for long periods of time, scientific studies have linked them to adverse health effects in humans and animals.
What happened?Why some Kerrygold butter was taken off shelves in NY stores
Packaging materials used for Kerrygold blocks and sticks were among those with PFAS, so the varieties were removed by retailers statewide, including Target, Tops Friendly Markets, Wegmans Food Markets and Walmart.
The products in new PFAS-compliant packaging — which will not look significantly different to consumers — began returning to store shelves last month, a Kerrygold spokesperson confirmed.
Made with milk from grass-fed cows and known for its silky consistency and golden yellow color, the all-natural product became Ireland’s first billion-euro food brand in 2018.
Sales in U.S. supermarkets rank second only to butter from Minnesota-based dairy giant Land O’ Lakes.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Kerrygold butter returns to NY store shelves
