Shaw's granted temporary variances for packaging; company to report back on alternatives by Oct. 31

The Yarmouth Board of Health voted July 6 to grant Shaw's variances from local plastic-packaging restrictions, with the condition that Shaw's return with a progress report on substitutions by Oct. 31, 2026.

What the company said: Shaw's risk- and food-safety manager told the board corporate licensing for local stores is centralized and a filing inadvertently did not reach local staff; the company filed the required application the morning of the meeting and described about 60 product and packaging substitutions completed or underway (for example, moving meat packaging from polystyrene to PET and changing bakery clamshells). The company said it will continue to search for food-safe, low-plastic alternatives and will work with local staff on compliance.

Board decision and conditions: Board members discussed the application and asked that Shaw's return to report on product and packaging substitutions and local volumes; the motion to grant the variances passed on a recorded 3–1 vote (three in favor, one opposed). The board set an expectation the company will present an update in the fall.

Ending: Shaw's variances were approved conditionally; the Health Department will inspect changes and receive the written report due Oct. 31.