The following safety alert from the CPSC on January 23, 2012.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with California Innovations Inc., of Toronto, Canada announced a voluntary recall of Expandable Insulated Lunch Box with Freezer Gel Pack. The Gel that contains diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can leak out of damaged freezer gel packs, posing a poisoning hazard if ingested by children or adults.
The firm has received two separate reports of a dog chewing and ingesting gel from the gel pack. One dog reportedly died from ingestion of the gel. The other was reported to have received treatment and has recovered.
The recalled product is a Ci Sport three-piece, expandable, insulated lunch box set, which includes the lunch box, aluminum bottle and the freezer gel pack. The lunch box of the recalled set has the code "1-61731-99-57" printed on one of the two white labels that are sewn under the white fastener inside the main compartment. The lunch box is 8 inches wide, 5 inches deep and 10.25 inches high. It is made of vinyl, polyester nylon and crushed nylon and has a logo with the words "Ci Sport" attached to the upper left corner. The lunch box has a carrying handle on the top and a mesh carrying pouch for the aluminum bottle on the side. The aluminum bottle measures 2.75 inches in diameter and 7.5 inches tall. The gel pack is a 6-inch by 4-inch transparent plastic pouch filled with blue liquid gel. The words "Cryofreeze" and "Ice Pack/Hot Pack" are printed in white letters on the front of the pouch. The lunch box was available in four colors: navy blue, red, black and denim blue. It was sold at: Costco Wholesale Clubs, Leon Korol and Cost U Less stores between May 2007 and September 2008 for about $10.
Consumers should immediately stop using the gel packs and dispose of them according to federal, state and/or local regulations. It is recommended that consumers contact their local waste disposal authority for instructions. Consumers may return the lunch box set to Costco for a full refund or may receive a $5 cash refund for the gel pack only by contacting California Innovations.
For additional information, call California Innovations at (800) 722-2545 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, e-mail ci-recall@ca-innovations.com or visit the firm's website at www.californiainnovations.com
The following information from the food.gov.uk posted on January 15, 2012.
The European Commission has introduced compositional and labelling standards (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 41/2009) that set levels of gluten for foods claiming to be either 'gluten-free' or 'very low gluten', which came into force on January 1, 2012. These levels are:
- 'gluten-free': at 20 parts per million of gluten or less
- 'very low gluten': at 100 parts per million of gluten or less - however, only foods with cereal ingredients that have been specially processed to remove the gluten may make a 'very low gluten' claim
Where caterers are unable to justify 'gluten-free' or 'very low gluten' claims because of the risk of cross-contamination, if steps have been taken to control this contamination, caterers will be able to indicate which foods do not have gluten-containing ingredients, allowing coeliacs to make choices based on their individual levels of sensitivity. Guidance
Links and additional information is available at www.food.gov.uk/safereating/allergyintol/label/gluten
The following safety alert from the CPSC on January 5, 2012.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with IKEA North America Services LLC, of Conshohocken, Pa.announced a voluntary recall of ANTILOP High Chairs due to fall hazard. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
The high chair's restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the child.
This recall involves ANTILOP high chairs sold in red, blue or white. The plastic high chair has detachable silver-colored metal legs. High chairs included in the recall have a manufacture date between 0607 and 0911 (YYMM format) from supplier number 17389. The production date and supplier number are molded into the underside of the seat. "ANTILOP," "IKEA" and the model number are printed on a label affixed to the underside of the seat. Model numbers included in the recall are:
- ANTILOP high chair blue Model # 701.467.92
- ANTILOP high chair red Model # 501.467.93
- ANTILOP high chair white Model # 300.697.24
Consumers should immediately stop using the high chairs and contact IKEA to obtain a free replacement seat restraint. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (866) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.ikea-usa.com
The following safety alert from the CPSC on December 29, 2011.
West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., San Francisco,CA is recalling
Dover Dining Table because the wooden base of the table can collapse, causing the glass table top to fall. This poses an injury hazard to consumers.
The Dover dining table is a tempered glass-top table with a brown wooden base. The base has four legs, four buttress support bars and three glasstop support bars. "West Elm" and "SKU: 2188233" are printed on a white label on the underside of the long, center beam. It was sold by West Elm retail and online stores nationwide from July 2011 through October 2011 for about $500.
Consumers should contact West Elm for a full store credit. West Elm will schedule a free return pickup of the table.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact West Elm toll-free at (855) 369-4335 between 7 a.m. and midnight ET seven days a week or visit the firm’s website at www.westelm.com
The following is a Statement on Shechita in the Netherlands from the Board of Deputies of British Jews on December 22, 2011.
"Deputies will have heard recent misleading reports about the situation regarding Shechita in the Netherlands which, while very encouraging, is not as clear cut as it has been portrayed.
Press reports and statements from some communal organisations may have given the impression that the challenges facing Shechita have been completely resolved, which is not the case. For clarity, the following summarizes events to date and the current status of the issue.
A Bill was introduced in the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament which would have removed the exemption on religious grounds from pre-stunning before animal slaughter. The Bill was duly accepted by the Lower House and then proceeded to the Senate (Upper House) for ratification.
The Senate considers legislation on the basis of whether or not it accords with the country’s constitution, rather than on the particular merits of a piece of legislation. A debate in the Senate which preceded a vote on the Bill revealed that the Dutch Government and a significant number of members of the Upper House were not in favour of the Bill in its current form and that if the vote proceeded, the Bill would fail. The Senate vote was therefore postponed until 13 or 17 January 2012.
This was an extremely positive development and very much to the credit of the Dutch Jewish community and those, including Shechita UK, who assisted them.
It is important to note that the Bill has not yet been withdrawn and the expectation is that the Dutch Government will propose compromise amendments. It is not clear at this stage what these will entail or whether they will be wholly acceptable to the Jewish community. Clearly there is a risk that they will not be but with our colleagues at Shechita UK, who are working with the Dutch Community, we will be vigilant and will assist in any required response. We will of course keep you informed as matters develop."
The following safety alert from the CPSC on December 15, 2011.
Hamilton Beach® classic chrome 2-slice toasters, Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, VA, have been recalled because when the toasters are first plugged into the outlets, the heating element can be energized although the toaster lifter is in the up or off position, which can pose a fire hazard if the toaster is near flammable items.
The Hamilton Beach recall involves model 22602 toasters. The model number is printed on the bottom of the toaster. The toaster has a chromed steel exterior, a front control panel with a rotary toast shade selector and function buttons arranged in an arc, a front removable crumb tray and “Hamilton Beach” printed below the control panel.
Sold at Mass merchandisers and department, grocery and home center stores nationwide from August 2011 through November 2011 for between $19 and $34. Also, some of these toasters were sent to consumers as replacements for model 22600 toasters recalled in June 2011.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and contact the firm to receive instructions on how to obtain a free replacement toaster.
Customer contact: For additional information, contact Hamilton Beach at (800) 576-6600 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.hamiltonbeach.com.
The following safety alert from the CPSC on November 16, 2011.
Liebherr expands recall of refrigerators due to injury hazard; door can detach. Liebherr-Canada Ltd of Ontario, of Canada is recalling about 8,000 units of Liebherr Freestanding 30-Inch Wide, Bottom Freezer Refrigerators manufuctured by Liebherr-Hausgeraete Lienz GmbH, of Austria because the refrigerator's door can detach, posing an injury hazard to consumers. This recall involves Liebherr freestanding 30-inch wide, bottom freezer refrigerators with model and index numbers listed below. The refrigerators were sold individually or as side-by-side companion units. The refrigerators come in a stainless steel finish. "Liebherr" is on the upper center of the refrigerator door and the top interior control panel. The model number can be found on a label located behind the bottom drawer on the left interior side of the single door refrigerator.
| Model Number | Index Number | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS 1601 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CS 1640 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CS 1650 |
|
Consumers with recalled refrigerators should contact Liebherr immediately to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers should check their refrigerator immediately to see whether the door hinge pin has become loose as indicated by a popped up hinge pin at the top. If the hinge has not become loose and the door is functioning properly, consumers may continue to use the refrigerator until it is repaired.
Customer contact: For additional information, contact Liebherr toll-free at (877) 337-2653 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT or visit Liebherr's website at www.liebherr.us. See www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12043.html for more details.
The following safety alert from the CPSC on March 3, 2011.
Liebherr recalls built-in refrigerators due to injury hazard; door can detach. This recall involves Liebherr built-in 30-inch wide bottom freezer refrigerators with model and index numbers listed below. The refrigerators were sold individually or as side-by-side companion units. The refrigerators come in stainless steel and various custom finishes and are built into the kitchen cabinetry. "Liebherr" is written on the top interior control panel. The model number can be found on a label located behind the bottom drawer on the left interior side of the single door refrigerator.
Appliance and specialty retailers were sold nationwide from February 2004 through January 2011 for between $4,400 and $5,000.
Consumers with recalled refrigerators should contact Liebherr immediately to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers should check their refrigerator immediately to see whether the door hinge pin has become loose as indicated by a popped up hinge pin at the top or bottom. If the hinge has not become loose and the door is functioning properly, consumers may continue to use the refrigerator until it is repaired.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Liebherr toll-free at (877) 337-2653 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT or visit Liebherr's website at www.liebherr.us
Informtion on model numbers and pictures can be founda at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11153.html.
The following safety alert from the CPSC on November 3, 2011.
Libbey Glass Inc., Toledo, OH is recalling Fantasy glass bowls because the glass bowl can break when subjected to sudden temperature changes or impact, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. The firm has received one report of a glass bowl breaking while being washed in a commercial dishwasher. No injuries have been reported. About 16,600 in the United States and 2,000 in Canada were sold.
This recall includes the Fantasy glass bowls sold with a lop-sided shape with one side taller than the other. The bowls are made of clear, colorless glass and were sold in only one size as 8.5 ounces. The bowls measure about 5 3/8 inches in height on the tallest side and about 2 1/4 inches across the base.
The bowls were sold to commercial customers for use in foodservice establishments nationwide from August 2010 through September 2011. In addition, 48 bowls were sold to consumers at Libbey Outlet stores in Toledo, Ohio and Shreveport, Louisiana from August 2010 through September 2011 for about $6 to $7. Also, 45 bowls were sold to consumers at Home Outfitters in Canada from August 2011 through September 2011 for about $6.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled glass bowls. Consumers can return the glass bowls to the point of purchase for a refund. Commercial customers should contact Libbey Glass Inc. to arrange for destruction of the product and receipt of a credit or refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Libbey Glass Inc. at (800) 982-7063 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.libbey.com
The following safety alert from the CPSC and Health Canada on October 26, 2011.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with General Electric - Appliances, of Louisville, KY announced a voluntary recall of the GE Monogram® Pro Rangetop with Grill. Burners on Rangetops operating on liquefied petroleum ("LP" or propane) may fail to ignite or light if the gas control knob is left in a position between OFF and LITE, posing a risk of delayed ignition or explosion.
Incidents/Injuries: GE has received six reports involving explosions in units operating on LP gas, including reports of damage to kitchen cabinets beneath the Rangetop. No fires or injuries have been reported.
The Grill units operate on liquefied petroleum ("LP" or propane) or natural gas. The Rangetop units are either 36 or 48 inches wide with a stainless steel finish and the GE Monogram® badge located on the front center of the unit. The burner control knobs are located on the front panel that overhangs the cabinet. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label located behind the far left burner knob, or on the bottom of the unit.
The following models and serials are included in this recall:
| Brand | Model Number Begins With: | And Serial Number Begins With: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monogram® | LP Model ZGU364LRP ZGU484LGP ZGU486LRP | Natural Gas Model ZGU364NRP ZGU484NGP ZGU486NRP | AS, AT, AV, DS, DT, DV, FS, FT, FV, GS, GT, GV, HR, HS, HT, HV, LR, LS, LT, LV, MR, MS, MT, RR, RS, RT, SR, SS, ST, TR, TS, TT, VR, VS, VT, ZR, ZS, ZT |
Consumers who are operating the product on LP (propane) gas should stop using the product immediately, turn off the gas supply to the product, and contact GE to schedule a free repair. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact General Electric toll-free at (866) 645-3956 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com/products/recall.
Restaurants with sukkahs as listed by their certifying agencies:
- Broadway Cafe
- Fuego Mundo
- Goodfriend Grill at the Marcus Hillel Center
- Goodfriend Grill at the MJCC
- Moshe's Mediterranean Grill
- Pita Palace
- Cafe Eilat
- Rami's
- BU Hillel
- Bagel Country - Skokie
- Chalavi – Main Pizza - Chicago
- EJ’s Pizza – Skokie
- Great Chicago – Chicago
- Hungarian Kosher - Skokie
- Kosher Korner at Garden Fresh - Northbrook
- Manghal - Evanston
- Mizrahi Grill – Highland Park
- Sandwich Club - Skokie
- Shallots - Skokie
- Slice of Life/Hy Life - Skokie
- Taboun - Skokie
- Burger Box
- Café Genesis
- Corner Café
- Franjelica’s
- Grill on Grant
- Kosher World
- Michelos
- Mooz Brothers - Sandringham
- Our Parents Home
- Sahdringham Gardens Complex
- The Only Kosher Nando’s
All other kosher establishments have either not applied to have a Sukkah approved or have not prepared timeously for an inspection to take place, and therefore have not been inspected.
Atlanta area: From the Atlanta Kashruth Commision (10/11/11): The following AKC restaurants have indicated that they will be putting up a sukkah for use during Chol Hamoed this year:
Boston area (10/12/11): From the Rabbinical Council of New England:
The following resteraunts/facilities under KVH Hashgacha will have Succot:
Chicago area: From the cRc (10/11/11) The following cRc restaurants have indicated that they will be putting up a sukkah for use during Chol Hamoed this year:
South Africa (10/12/11): The Sukkot at the following kosher certified establishments have been inspected and approved by the Kashrut Department: