Kerry Gold Butter Lawsuit Full Guide and Update
We know you have questions about the kerry gold butter lawsuit, and we’re here to give you clear answers right away. In February 2023, a consumer filed a class action claiming our “Pure Irish Butter” products contained so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in the packaging. You want to know what happened, how it affects you, and what we did to fix it. We’ve updated our packaging, worked with regulators, and the lawsuit was dismissed by agreement in August 2023. Read on to learn the full story, our actions, and what it means for you.
Overview of the Kerrygold Butter Lawsuit
In early 2023, a woman named Carolyn Winans filed a lawsuit against Ornua Foods North America, the maker of Kerrygold Butter. Her claim was that our foil packaging contained PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—that could migrate into the butter. The suit argued that labeling the product as “Pure Irish Butter” was misleading if the packaging had these chemicals.
The court reviewed her complaint and found it plausible enough to survive an initial motion to dismiss. This meant Winans could pursue her case in a New York federal court. She sought damages for herself and all consumers who bought our butter sticks during the full legal period. The key issue was whether PFAS in packaging could pose a health risk and whether our labeling misled shoppers.
What Are PFAS and Why It Matters
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used for their water- and grease-resistant properties. They’re sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment. High exposure to PFAS has been linked to health issues like hormonal imbalance, immune problems, and certain cancers.
Our butter packaging originally used a thin foil layer containing PFAS to keep the product fresh and prevent moisture. When some state laws in New York and California banned PFAS in food packaging, we recalled the affected batches. We worked quickly to switch to a new foil that met all regulations without PFAS. This change addressed both legal requirements and consumer safety concerns.
Timeline of Events
We believe a clear timeline helps everyone understand what happened and how we acted:
- February 14, 2023: Winans files the lawsuit in New York federal court, claiming PFAS in packaging could contaminate butter and that “Pure Irish Butter” labeling was deceptive.
- Late 2022 – Early 2023: New York and California enact laws banning PFAS in food packaging, prompting our voluntary recall of some butter products.
- March – July 2023: We engage with regulators and update our packaging to remove PFAS, ensuring full compliance with new state rules.
- August 14, 2023: The consumer and Ornua file a joint notice of dismissal with prejudice, meaning the case is closed and cannot be refiled. Each side pays its own attorney fees.
This sequence shows we acted swiftly to recall products, improve packaging, and resolve the lawsuit without admission of wrongdoing.
Our Response and Packaging Changes
When we learned that state laws banned PFAS in food packaging, we moved fast. We issued a voluntary recall of affected Kerrygold Butter sticks in New York and California. We then tested multiple foil alternatives until we found one that kept our butter fresh and still met the new legal standards.
Our new packaging uses a PFAS-free barrier that still preserves taste and quality. We also improved our supply-chain checks, adding extra tests to ensure no unwanted chemicals make it into the packaging. By summer 2023, every Kerrygold Butter stick in the U.S. was wrapped in the updated foil.
We understand how important purity and safety are for our customers. As a brand, we stand by our commitment to quality and transparency. When rules changed, we changed with them to keep your trust and protect your health.
Understanding the Dismissal
On August 14, 2023, U.S. District Judge Frederic Block approved a joint request to dismiss the case with prejudice. This means:
- The lawsuit is over and cannot be brought again.
- Both sides agreed to pay their own legal costs.
- No settlement fund was created because we had already corrected our packaging and addressed the core issue.
The dismissal did not require us to admit fault. Instead, it shows that we and the plaintiff found common ground—changing the packaging and ensuring consumers’ safety. For us, this resolution allowed us to move forward without lingering legal uncertainty.
Implications for Consumers
You might wonder what this means for you as a Kerrygold Butter fan. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Safety Restored: All Kerrygold Butter now uses PFAS-free packaging in the U.S., so you can enjoy it without worry.
- Ongoing Quality: We continue rigorous testing on both butter quality and packaging materials to meet the highest standards.
- Label Clarity: Our “Pure Irish Butter” claim refers to the natural, grass-fed milk from Ireland, not to packaging ingredients. We’ve added clearer notes on packaging to avoid any confusion.
If you purchased Kerrygold Butter before the recall and still have a stick wrapped in old foil, you can check the packaging date. Products made before December 2022 in New York or January 2023 in California may have used PFAS-containing foil. We encouraged customers to return those sticks to their store for replacement or refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main claim in the lawsuit?
The suit argued that PFAS in our butter’s foil packaging could migrate into the butter and that calling it “Pure Irish Butter” was misleading.
How did we fix the problem?
We recalled the affected batches, tested new PFAS-free foil, and switched all Kerrygold Butter in the U.S. to the updated packaging by mid-2023.
Is Kerrygold Butter still safe to eat?
Yes. Our updated packaging meets all state and federal safety rules, and we conduct regular quality checks on both butter and packaging.
Do refunds or replacements apply?
If you bought sticks wrapped in old foil before late 2022 in New York or early 2023 in California, you can return them to the store for a refund or replacement.
What does “Pure Irish Butter” mean now?
It refers to the grass-fed milk sourced from Ireland, free of artificial ingredients, not the makeup of the foil.
Conclusion
We’ve always taken pride in delivering rich, creamy, and authentic Irish butter to your table. When regulations changed and a consumer raised concerns, we moved quickly—recalling products, updating packaging, and ensuring your safety. The lawsuit ended by agreement, and our PFAS-free foil is now standard across the U.S. We hope this article answered all your questions about the Kerrygold butter lawsuit. If you still have concerns, feel free to reach out to our customer care team or visit our website for more details. Enjoy your butter with confidence!
