THIS SECTION IS FOR NEWS AND INTERESTING STORIES RELATED TO FOOD, NUTRITION AND FOOD PROCESSING. THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY RELATED TO KOSHER BUT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO THE KOSHER CONSUMER, MANUFACTURER OR MASHGIACH.
July 30, 2026: from the World Israel News
"The Netherlands will prohibit trade in goods produced in Israeli communities in Judea, Samaria, and the Golan Heights beginning September 22, adopting one of Europe’s most extensive national restrictions on commerce connected to the areas in question.
"The temporary sanctions decree bans goods produced wholly or partly in Israeli communities included on a European Union postal-code list used to distinguish those areas from pre-1967 Israeli territory. It prohibits bringing the products into the Netherlands, purchasing or selling them directly or indirectly, arranging transactions involving them and attempting to circumvent the restrictions.
"The measure was signed by King Willem-Alexander on July 13 and published in the Dutch official gazette on July 21. It is scheduled to enter force two months after publication and will expire after three years unless extended by legislation.
"Although frequently described as an import ban, the decree reaches considerably further. It covers products containing materials or components obtained from the targeted communities and prevents Dutch citizens and companies from buying the goods elsewhere in the EU. It also applies to brokers arranging transactions even when the products are destined for another EU country.
"Dutch authorities said the combination of import, purchase and sales restrictions was intended to close loopholes created by the EU’s open internal borders, which could otherwise allow goods to enter through another member state before being sold in the Netherlands.
"Transit shipments that merely pass through Dutch territory without entering the Dutch market will not be prohibited. The restrictions also do not constitute a general ban on products from Israel, and trade in goods produced within Israel’s internationally recognized pre-1967 boundaries will remain legal.
"The decree applies to Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, including east Jerusalem, as well as the Golan Heights. Israel extended its sovereignty over east Jerusalem and the Golan, but the Netherlands and the European Union do not recognize those moves.
"Intentional violations will be treated as criminal economic offenses carrying a maximum sentence of six years in prison, community service or a fine of up to €103,000. Unintentional violations can be punished by up to one year’s detention or a smaller fine.
"Dutch officials indicated, however, that enforcement will concentrate primarily on systematic and deliberate violations rather than isolated purchases by individual consumers. Customs authorities and the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service will be responsible for enforcing the measure.
"Prime Minister Rob Jetten said when the cabinet approved the restrictions in May that the measure was intended to increase pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
"The government also cited the situation on the Golan Heights and Israeli declarations favoring a permanent presence in additional Syrian territory captured following the fall of Bashar Assad’s government.
"Ireland, Belgium and Spain have also advanced or enacted restrictions on products from Israeli communities beyond the Green Line. Ireland narrowed its legislation to goods after its government concluded that extending it to services would not be “implementable” or “viable.” Irish officials estimated that the goods affected there were worth only about €200,000 annually.
"The Netherlands’ measure is broader than the Irish proposal because it includes purchases, domestic sales, transaction-related services and products associated with the Golan Heights. Dutch companies will also be required to verify the origin of Israeli goods and declare that imported merchandise did not originate in one of the communities covered by the decree.
"The Dutch government acknowledged that the immediate economic effect is likely to be limited. Its explanatory statement said the targeted goods would generally account for only a very small portion of a typical supermarket’s sales."
July 30, 2026: from the cbs2iowa
"The community of Postville is beginning the long recovery process after a massive fire destroyed much of the Agri Star Meat & Poultry processing plant Tuesday.
"Agri Star said it is still evaluating its short-term plans and will provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
"The fire could also have impacts beyond northeast Iowa.
"According to OU Kosher, the organization that certifies the plant's kosher operations, the facility processes a significant share of the kosher beef and chicken sold in the United States. The loss of production could tighten an already limited summer supply ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, including Rosh Hashanah in September.
"As we monitor the situation in Postville, the safety of the employees and firefighters is our first concern,' said Rabbi Moshe Elefant, CEO of OU Kosher. 'The damaged facility means a significant portion of kosher beef and chicken slaughtered and sold in the U.S. will not enter the kosher supply chain.'
"The organization says it is working with Agri Star and other suppliers to increase production at other facilities to help reduce potential shortages."
July 28, 2026: from the VinNews
"A major fire broke out early Tuesday at the Agri Star Meat & Poultry plant, one of the world’s largest kosher meatpacking facilities, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting a multi-agency response across northeast Iowa.
"The blaze was reported shortly after 4 a.m. at the sprawling processing plant on North West Street. Multiple fire departments from the region responded as heavy smoke billowed from the facility, visible for miles and drifting into neighboring Fayette County.
"Agri Star confirmed the fire in a Facebook post around 9 a.m., stating that emergency crews had been on scene since early morning and were actively working to contain the flames.
"Officials indicated disruptions to distribution are expected.
"Agri Star is Allamakee County’s largest employer and a major supplier of kosher beef and poultry. The plant, formerly known as Agriprocessors, was founded by the Rubashkin family and acquired in 2009 by interests associated with Canadian businessman Hershey Friedman. It has faced previous incidents, including a smaller boiler-room fire in May and an explosion in 2021 that injured two workers."
July 29, 2026: from the OU on "x"
July 27, 2026: from the ABC NY 7
"Your bag of takeout in New Jersey is about to get a little lighter -- and lot more environmentally friendly.
That's because New Jersey restaurants and other food businesses will no longer include plastic utensils, napkins or condiments automatically with your order. Beginning Aug. 1, you'll have to request them in line with the state's "Skip the Stuff" law.
"The law, enacted in January 2026, aims to reduce "unnecessary plastic waste" by "restricting food service businesses from automatically distributing single-use plastic utensils and condiments.
"Mobile ordering will automatically leave a box for utensils, napkins and condiments unchecked. Your order will not include these items unless you check the box or request when ordering in person or on the phone.
"The law also requires full-service dine-in restaurants-with seating for 10 or more customers-have to provide reusable utensils for dine-in meals. Self-serve dispensers can still be used if they dispense individual items, not bundled utensil packs.
"Exceptions have been made for public and private schools, correctional facilities, healthcare facilities, and food court vendors. There are also exceptions for pre-packaged food items that have utensils or condiments attached during manufacturing and single-use sauce cups when dining in.
"In an effort to get businesses to comply, New Jersey will issue violations and fines to those who don't comply. The first violation is a warning, the second violation carries a $100 fine, and third and following violations are $250 within a 12-month period."
July 22, 2026 from the CPSC :
Lakkzoom immersion water heaters have been recalled because the heaters can quickly ignite within minutes when they are partially or completely out of water, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to fire.
Consumer Action: Consumers should stop using the immersion water heaters immediately and dispose of them.
Description: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to stop using Lakkzoom immersion water heaters immediately because the heaters can quickly ignite within minutes when they are partially or completely out of water, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to fire.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a complaint in federal court against the manufacturer, Cixi Miaojie Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd., of China, and the retailer and importer, Changsha Jiayi Tianzhuo Trading Co. Ltd., of China, alleging that these products present an imminent hazard and seeking a mandatory recall of these products. Read more about their complaint here.
The products were manufactured in China.
Consumers should stop using the immersion water heaters immediately and dispose of them.
The immersion water heaters consist of metal tubes with circular or heart-shaped holes and plastic endcaps in black, yellow, or pink. The brand name "Lakkzoom" and model numbers 1500W, 2000W, HT1500W (also identified as MJ-R13), or HT2000W may appear on the purchase receipt.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC is aware of 235 reports of fires involving these immersion water heaters.
Sold At: Amazon.com and eBay.com from September 2022 through July 2026.
July 16, 2026: from the FoodDive
July 20, 2026: from the VinNews
"A malfunction in an advanced foreign-made production system that led to a shortage of Tnuva cottage cheese has highlighted a much larger challenge confronting Israeli industry. Manufacturers across the country report growing difficulties in bringing foreign technicians to Israel, as many specialists are refusing to travel to install, service, or repair critical industrial equipment.
"A review by Ynet found that the problem extends across nearly every major manufacturing sector. Israeli factories rely heavily on imported machinery, making overseas technicians essential not only for installing new production lines but also for maintaining existing operations in industries ranging from steel and plastics to food production, including facilities that manufacture goods for export.
"According to manufacturers, Israel’s international isolation is increasingly affecting day-to-day industrial operations. Many companies say foreign firms classify Israel as a war zone, preventing technicians from obtaining insurance coverage for work assignments in the country. In Italy, however, some manufacturers report that labor unions are refusing to allow their members to travel to Israel regardless of insurance considerations.
"He added that Israel manufactures very little of the specialized machinery used by its factories, leaving the country heavily dependent on overseas suppliers.
"Theimpact on manufacturing represents one of the less visible economic costs of the war. “Manufacturing has been hit extremely hard, and the country will pay for it in the future,” he said. “Some companies are seeing production disrupted, while others are deciding to build new lines abroad.”
"training Israeli technicians is ultimately necessary, he acknowledged there is currently no comprehensive solution. “Israeli teams need to be trained, but for now there is no solution. Manufacturers that cannot find some kind of workaround are left with a machine that simply does not operate."
July 16, 2026 from the CPSC :
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to stop using Houswise Tabletop Fire Pits immediately because using them can result in uncontrolled pool fires where flames burn across the surface of pooled or spilled alcohol, as well as flame jetting from fuel containers, resulting in serious or fatal burns.
This CPSC consumer alert follows the agency’s warning to stop using alcohol or other liquid-burning fire pits that violate voluntary standards and present flame jetting and fire hazards.
The Houswise Tabletop Fire Pits are rectangular, round or square containers that require consumers to pour liquid fuel into the container and then ignite the pooled liquid in the same location it was poured. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, ethanol/bioethanol, and similar liquid fuels can burn with flame temperatures over 1,600°F and can cause third degree burns in less than one second. Igniting a pool of alcohol or other liquid fuel in the fire pit’s open container can result in an uncontrolled pool fire, which can suddenly produce larger, hotter flames that can spread beyond the fire pit product.
Flame jetting, another hazard, can occur when refilling the fire pit if any flame is present. A small flame in the fire pit can be hard to see and can ignite the vapor inside a fuel container as the fuel is poured, causing an explosion that propels flames and burning liquid onto the consumer or bystanders. CPSC’s flame jetting safety video demonstrates the potential force of flame jetting and the long distances flames and burning liquid can travel.
Furmia LLC, the manufacturer of Houswise Tabletop Fire Pits, has not agreed to recall these products or offer a remedy to consumers.
CPSC is aware of more than two dozen reports of flame-jetting, fuel leaking outside of the fire pit, and unexpectedly high flames, resulting in seven injuries, including third-degree burns.
Sold Online At: Houswise.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com and other websites since March 2023.
July 15, 2026 from Times of Israel
"The Knesset on Tuesday night voted 46-41 to give final approval to legislation restoring the Chief Rabbinate’s exclusive control over kosher certification, one of a series of laws that the ultra-Orthodox parties demanded be passed in exchange for support for key coalition bills.
"The law, which was championed by the Shas party, will reverse reforms enacted by the previous government that allowed private Orthodox organizations to issue kosher certificates in their own name, provided they meet the state’s standards.
"The law’s passage came a week after the Chief Rabbinate appeared to authorize the liberal Tzohar Rabbinical Organization to issue kosher certificates under Israeli law for the first time, following a High Court ruling last month ordering it to withdraw its refusal to recognize the group — a move that prompted pushback from the current Religious Services Ministry. But within hours, the decision came under dispute, with senior officials saying the approval of Tzohar had not been properly authorized and therefore had no legal standing.
"The new legislation passed Tuesday would enshrine that only the Chief Rabbinate can issue kosher certification.
"In Israel, the right to use the word “kosher” on food labeling is highly regulated, with only certification bodies recognized by the Rabbinate allowed to recognize a product or establishment as meeting religious requirements.
"Despite not being legally recognized by the government, hundreds of food businesses currently rely on Tzohar’s certification, which gets around the regulations by asserting that a business is being supervised, rather than stating that the food is kosher."
July 16, 2026 from the CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:
Boon PIVOT Collapsible Toddler Tower Kitchen Step Stools have been recalled because the recalled toddler towers can tip over while in use, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to tip over and fall hazards.
Consumer Contact: TOMY toll free at 866-725-4407 from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, by email at cs@tomy.com or online at https://recall.tomy.com/pivot or https://us.tomy.com and click on “Product Recalls” at the top of the page for more information.
Description: This recall involves Boon PIVOT Toddler Tower Kids Kitchen Step Stools. The metal and plastic tower stools were sold in gray and white and measure about 22 inches wide, 23 inches deep, and 35 inches tall. “boon” is visible along the top rail, and a warning label is visible along the side of the standing platform.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled tower stools immediately and store them away from children until repaired. Contact TOMY for a stabilizing repair part and installation instructions. The firm will mail the free repair parts directly to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: TOMY is aware of 11 reports involving the towers being unstable and shifting or leaning. No injuries have been reported.
Sold Online At: Target.com, Amazon.com and Babylist.com from January 2023 through June 2026 for around $150.
July 16, 2026 from the CPSC :
Space King No Girls Allowed Relic Lunch Boxes (Cups only) have been recalled because the cup in the lunch boxes contains high lead concentration levels for drinking vessels, posing a lead poisoning hazard. Lead is toxic if ingested by adults or children and can cause adverse health issues.
Consumer Contact: Warren James by email at customersupport@warrenjames.org Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or visit https://flashgitz.shop/recall or https://flashgitz.shop and click on “Recall” for more information.
Description: This recall involves the copper cup found in the Flashgitz-branded Space King No Girls Allowed Relic Lunch Boxes. The Relic Box is a retro style lunch box containing a limited-edition bundle of collectibles for fans of the web cartoon Space King. The contents of the box are a metal figurine, a zippo lighter case, a drinking cup and a pack of condoms. The box also contains a strip of paper warning that the “Chastity Seals” is a novelty item and not intended for use. The lunch box is red with “Space King” written in red and orange lettering at the top on the front, and a picture of the Space king characters below it. Only the copper cups are included in this recall.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled cups immediately and contact the firm for instructions on how to receive a replacement cup. Consumers who purchased the lunch boxes directly from Warren James will be sent a free replacement cup to the address previously provided in the original purchase order. Consumers should dispose of the cups in accordance with their local waste disposal requirements. The lunch box and other items that came with the box can continue to be used.
Sold Online At: Flashgitz shop from September 2025 through October 2025 for about $25.
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