K A S H R U T . C O M_©

September 23, 2026 from the FDA

Berlin Seeds, of Millersburg, OH, is recalling 950 lbs of Alfalfa Sprouting Seed because the seed has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and/or Salmonella.

The recalled product was sold by Berlin Seeds at their retail store in Millersburg, OH and through their company website from February 13, 2026 to August 23, 2026 to customers in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY.

The Berlin Seeds branded Alfalfa Sprouting Seed is packaged under the Berlin Seeds label in 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., 1 lb., 5 lb., and 50 lb. sizes. The 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., 1 lb., and 5 lb. sizes are packaged in resealable bags, while the 50 lb. size is packaged in a non-resealable poly woven bag. The 5 lb. and 50 lb. packages bear lot code SAL2-24JB located on the bottom right-hand corner of the label. The 1/4 lb., 1/2 lb., and 1 lb. packages do not bear a lot code.

The recall was initiated after our seed supplier notified us that the seeds were identified through traceback as seed used by a sprout grower whose finished sprouts were part of an FDA investigation involving a multistate foodborne illness outbreak of multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (multiple serotypes include: O26:H11, O103:H25, O168:H8) and Salmonella Agona infections. Our supplier also notified us that a spent irrigation water sample from one of its alfalfa seed lots had tested positive for E. coli. No other Berlin Seeds sprouting seeds, including alfalfa sprouting seed, are affected by this recall.

Consumers who believe they may have purchased the affected Alfalfa Sprouting Seed should stop using it immediately and should not sprout it, plant it, or give it away. They should not eat any sprouts already grown from this seed and should throw them away. The seed should be disposed of in the trash in a sealed bag, and any jars, trays, sprouters, or surfaces the seed or sprouts may have touched should be carefully cleaned and sanitized. Consumers who have eaten the recalled product and feel ill should contact their health care provider.

Customers with questions regarding this recall, or who wish to arrange a replacement, may contact Berlin Seeds at 877-464-0892, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST, or at order@berlinseeds.life. Email inquiries will be responded to during the same business hours.

• Star-K Schach Mat Guidance
• September 24, 2025 from the The STAR-K. The following STAR-K establishments in Baltimore will have a sukkah available during Chol Hamoed:
  • Accents Grill/Serengeti
  • Caramel’s Pizza
  • Cocoaccinos/Pie 18
  • Croustille Cafe
  • David Chu’s China Bistro
  • Goldberg’s Kosher Bagels
  • Mama Leah’s Gourmet Pizza
  • Taam Thai
  • Yossef's Laffa-Milia
    Please note: Other establishments may be open for takeout only. STAR-K policy only allows dine-in service when a sukkah is available on the premises.
    Please check with each establishment to confirm operating hours.
    Space in the sukkah may be limited.
• Chessed Hospital sukkah guide is here. https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9793Guide is from 2025. Confirm with hospital for this year.

Ed. note: Additional information will be added when it becomes available.
Sukkot 2025 information is here. Check any information posted there to see if it is still correct today.

September 22, 2026 from the FDA

Wakefern Food Corp. has voluntarily recalled select containers of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after routine FDA testing identified elevated patulin levels that exceed food safety limits and do not meet Wakefern's quality standards.

Patulin is a naturally occurring substance produced by molds that grow on damaged or bruised apples and may be present in products made from affected fruit. Because patulin levels in this product exceed acceptable limits, the product should not be consumed.

The recall affects Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce sold in 23-ounce plastic jar containers with the UPC Code 04119005677. All recalled packages have a best-by date of June 16, 2027.

The products were distributed through Wakefern supermarket banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market. No other products sold at those supermarkets are affected by this recall, and no illnesses or injuries associated with the product have been reported.

Customers who purchased the apple sauce should check the label and best-by date on any product they may still have at home. Customers with questions or concerns may contact 1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9-5.

September 22, 2026 from the OU:

Great Value Frozen Raspberries, Walmart, Bentonville AK has an unauthorized OU:
The Orthodox Union does not certify Great Value Frozen Raspberries. Some bags bear an unauthorized OU mark. Corrective actions are being implemented.

London Beth Din Kashrut Alert: Supermarket Own Label Canned Butter Beans

September 18, 2026: From KLBD:

Previously permitted under general guidelines, Supermarket Own Label Canned Butter Beans are now Not Kosher due to shared use of equipment.

As previously advised, Supermarket Own Label Canned Red Kidney Beans, Mixed Beans, Garden Peas, Marrowfat Peas, Mushy Peas and Processed Peas remain Not Kosher.

Other plain canned vegetables and beans in water or brine would still be approved under general guidelines, provided that there are no added ingredients other than salt and preservatives. Click here.

To check which canned fish are approved Click here.