Ensuring Food Safety for All

The recent recall of Kerrygold butter products has raised concerns among consumers about the safety of the product and the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated butter. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind the recall and the potential risks of exposure to Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). We'll also discuss the importance of food product regulation and transparency, as well as steps consumers can take to minimize their exposure to PFAs.

The Kerrygold Butter Recall: What Happened and Why

The recall was initiated after the company discovered that a small number of samples from a specific production run tested positive for PFAs. The affected products included Kerrygold Irish Butter with the following UPC codes: 7 68573 00101 6, 7 68573 01013 5, and 7 68573 00100 9. The company has urged consumers who have purchased these products to immediately stop using them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.^[1]

Understanding Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs)

PFAs are a class of human-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products for decades. They are highly resistant to degradation and have been found to persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in human and animal tissues.^[2] Exposure to PFAs has been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental effects on fetuses and infants.^[3]

Potential Health Risks of Exposure to PFAs

Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) has been linked to a range of adverse health effects. These chemicals have been associated with increased risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental effects on fetuses and infants. They have also been found to accumulate in human and animal tissues and persist in the environment, posing a long-term risk to human health. Some studies have linked PFAs to decreased immune function and increased cholesterol levels, which can contribute to heart disease. The potential health risks of exposure to PFAs are significant and highlight the need for greater regulation and consumer awareness of these chemicals in food products and other consumer goods.^[3-4]

The Importance of Food Product Regulation and Transparency

The recall of Kerrygold butter products due to potential PFAs contamination highlights the need for greater regulation and transparency in the food industry. Companies should be transparent about potential health risks associated with their products, and regulatory agencies should take steps to ensure that food products are safe for consumption. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies should consider the long-term health risks associated with PFAs and take steps to protect consumers from potential exposure.^[5]

Consumer Awareness and Steps to Minimize Exposure to PFAs

Consumers can take steps to protect themselves from potential exposure to PFAs. This includes avoiding products that may be contaminated with these chemicals, such as non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, and stain-resistant fabrics. Consumers should also be aware of the potential health risks associated with exposure to PFAs and take steps to minimize their exposure, such as using safer cookware options and avoiding unnecessary exposure to other products that may contain PFAs.

Ensuring Food Safety for All

In conclusion, the recall of Kerrygold butter products due to potential PFAs contamination highlights the need for greater regulation and consumer awareness of the potential health risks associated with food products. Companies should be transparent about potential health risks associated with their products, and regulatory agencies should take steps to ensure that food products are safe for consumption. Consumers should also take steps to protect themselves from potential exposure to PFAs and be aware of the potential health risks associated with these chemicals.

The Naughty List

There have been a few cases of butter brands being linked to PFA contamination in recent years. Here are some examples:

1. Kerrygold: In March 2023, Kerrygold announced a voluntary recall of some of their products due to potential PFA contamination.
2. Organic Valley: In 2021, Organic Valley recalled their Grassmilk Yogurt Butter due to potential PFA contamination.
3. Horizon Organic: In 2020, Horizon Organic recalled their Cheddar Cheese Sandwich Crackers due to potential PFA contamination.
4. Aldi: In 2019, Aldi recalled their Happy Farms Spreadable Butter due to potential PFA contamination.
5. Whole Foods: In 2018, Whole Foods recalled their 365 Everyday Value Organic Salted Butter due to potential PFA contamination.

It's important to note that these recalls were voluntary and were initiated out of caution rather than because of any confirmed cases of illness or injury. However, they do highlight the potential risks of exposure to PFAs in food products and the need for greater regulation and transparency in the food industry.

1. CBS News. "Popular butter missing from stores after chemical scare." CBS News, CBS Interactive, 20 Mar. 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/popular-butter-missing-from-stores-after-chemical-scare/.
2. Environmental Health News. "What are PFAS?" Environmental Health News, Environmental Health Sciences, 7 Mar. 2022, https://www.ehn.org/what-are-pfas-2656619391.html
3. Fenton, Suzanne E et al. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research.” Environmental toxicology and chemistry vol. 40,3 (2021): 606-630. doi:10.1002/etc.4890
4. Gibson, Alyssa. "PFAS Chemicals: What They Are, and What's at Risk." National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 14 Mar. 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/03/pfas-chemicals-what-they-are-and-whats-at-risk/.
5. Barton, Alexandra. "PFOA Contamination of Food." Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 117, no. 4, Apr. 2009, pp. A161-A161, doi:10.1289/ehp.117-a161.