See, if you don’t know whatever is going on with the Kerry Gold Butter Lawsuit, well, the problem has been there for quite some time, and at present, it has been turned into a large lawsuit. Those affected are pointing out two major issues: deception through product labeling and the usage of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as forever chemicals, in the packaging of the butter.
Yes, forever chemicals. It sounds somewhat dramatic, though the worry is quite serious.
When Did All This Begin?
It was in 2018 when the situation began to escalate, as customers started to doubt the truthfulness of the “100% grass-fed” statement made by Kerrygold. Reports were going beyond mere chatter by 2020. A couple of years later, the case took another step as it ended in the court of California after a lawsuit was filed.
The situation escalated when, at the beginning of 2023, Kerrygold decided to remove several butter products from store shelves in New York and California because the tests had detected PFAS in the aluminum foil wrapping of the products. The case is still ongoing in 2024.
What Are the Main Issues?
- Labeling Concerns
Kerrygold marketing their products with such statements as “100% grass-fed” and “Pure Irish Butter.” However, a complaint states that such names confuse the consumers in the U.S. and are false labeling claims.
Grass-fed in Ireland is not a term that implies cows are fed grass throughout the whole year.
“Pure” is such a term that when used to describe a product, one would assume that it is not harmful in any way, but the existence of PFAS in it negates that implication.
- Packaging with PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are chemicals of synthetic origin that are almost indestructible both in the human body and nature. In case of the packaging being made from PFAS, it is going to be the butter that is going to be contaminated.
Health concerns linked to PFAS include:
- Fertility issues
- Immune system problems
- Increased cancer risk
It really made everyone think when they saw it in the wrapper of Kerrygold.
What Exactly Are PFAS?
PFAS are used in products like:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water-resistant clothing
- Certain food packaging
They have been given the name “forever chemicals” as these substances are with you and the environment for a very long time. Hence, when consumers learned that the packaging of Kerrygold’s butter might have PFAS, the “Pure” label was not quite right.
How Did Kerrygold Respond?
Kerrygold’s parent company, Ornua Foods North America, defended the product. They said:
- The butter follows Irish farming standards.
- The word “pure” refers to its Irish origin, not chemical content.
On the other hand, the lawsuit was permitted by a California judge to proceed, who maintained that the word “pure” might lead a reasonable consumer to be misled.
What’s the Status of the Lawsuit Now?
The matter is, however, still in process. So far, Kerrygold has denied any misconduct, and there has been no transaction between the two sides. At the moment, the lawsuit is at the stage of discovery, where both sides collect evidence to support their claims.
The issue over here is not just about a brand. Depending on the result, it could have a ripple effect on the whole food industry, changing the way companies use labels such as “natural” or “pure,” and potentially leading to the establishment of more rigorous regulations, particularly for foods coming from abroad.
Where Do Things Stand Now?
Rumor has it that the packaging of Kerrygold was changed to comply with new PFAS limitations in New York and California, and that their butter can be found in shops again. However, the lawsuit against the company continues.
Those customers who believe that they were misled are now calling for a class action across the country, which means that the number of plaintiffs in the case could increase. As of now, there is no agreement on a settlement.