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Food News


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.

Newer news

Making World's Most Expensive Fish from Plants and Tuna Cells

January 10, 2024 from NoCamels:

"As overfishing takes its toll on marine life in waters across the planet, an Israeli company is determined to harness technological know-how to save some species from the brink of extinction – including the most expensive one in the world per pound.

"Wanda Fish extracted cells from three different species – bluefin tuna, mackerel and yellowtail – in order to cultivate them in the lab, and its most advanced product is the pricey bluefin.

"The tuna can even go for up to $5,000 a pound due to those risks of extinction and overfishing and also because of the high market demand in places such as Japan.

"Wanda Fish cultivates the extracted cells in bioreactors – specialist vats that create an optimal environment – until they reach immortal status, in other words are continuously reproducing.

"Wanda Fish then places the cells into cultured media – the essential nutrients and minerals that support growth. From there, the company uses its own undisclosed technology to cultivate the cells into both muscle and intramuscular fat of a bluefin tuna.

"Once the cells are transformed, Wanda Fish combines them with proprietary plant-based material to create a hybrid final product – one of the ways the company is reducing costs and a step that Sfadyah describes as “a very complex process.” He also insists that it is one currently carried out by most, if not all food cultivation companies.

"And despite the inclusion of the plant-based material, Sfadyah believes that the company’s product is identical in every way to the original thanks to the unique fat and muscle combination Wanda Fish cultivates.

"This, he says, even applies to one of the trickiest parts of cultivating such premium fish – striking the right balance between taste and texture.

"For unlike other tunas, bluefin has a melt-in-your-mouth texture with what many chefs say is a rich flavor that works perfectly for sashimi (a kind of sushi).

"The company is also trying to remove the need for chefs to have to clean and cut the fish when it arrives at their restaurants, reducing food waste and shortening preparation time for diners."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1577

Salmon Alternative Looks & Tastes Like Real Thing, Down To the Last Flake

July 9, 2024 from NoCamels:

"Ofek Ron, co-founder and CEO of Israeli food tech company Oshi, believes we can do better – for the environment, for animals and for our health.

"So three years ago, the entrepreneurial long-time vegan and activist set out together with the company’s fellow co-founders — 3D printing expert Hila Elimelech, and Oshi’s current innovation lead Ariel Szklanny and director of food R&D Ron Sicsic — to create the world’s first plant-based fish filet with the taste and texture of the original.

"The company, formerly known as Plantish, selected salmon filets as its goal because of the fish’s popularity with consumers, Ron tells NoCamels. Ofek Ron: Oshi is ‘building’ salmon filets as you would build a Lego model (Photo: Courtesy)

"Ron says he realized that there was no fish alternative among the plant-based meat alternatives popping up, largely because the texture and structure of fish differs to that of meat.

"Therefore, unlike the relatively straightforward task of creating vegan burgers that mimic ground meat with ingredients like soy or mushrooms, the challenge of imitating the complex structure of fish filets presented a unique obstacle.

"Fish filets possess intricate layers of flakes and fat lines, each contributing to its unique texture and mouthfeel, Ron explains, and no one in the food tech industry had yet tackled the problem of replicating it with plant-based alternatives.

"t took the Oshi team three years of diligent, expert work on two fronts of research and development to create both the right texture and the right taste for the alternative salmon filet currently being market tested in 15 select restaurants across the USA.

"Their solution lay in mycoprotein, a mycelium-based protein that also provides micronutrients, complemented by algae and vegetable oils.

"This innovative blend not only mirrors the nutritional profile of fish but also replicates its texture through Oshi’s proprietary technology known as modular layering.

"Ron explains that the flakes and the fat of the fish are created using two different methods and then combined in the production process.

"The startup’s unique machinery meticulously constructs each filet, layer by layer of flakes and fat, ensuring an authentic fish-like experience.

"The company is now in the process of refining its product-market fit before expanding into retail sales, he says.

"The plant-based filets are a solution for an industry that Ron warns is taking an environmental toll on the marine ecosystem.

"Backed by $14.5 million in funding from investors and poised for further investment rounds, Oshi has relocated its production facility to California from its initial base in the central Israeli city of Rishon Lezion, which remains as the center of research and development.

"The company was also recently recognized as one of Israel’s top 50 promising startups of the year by Israeli tech website Calcalist, for its pioneering efforts in food tech.

"For now, the cost of the Oshi filet is equivalent to premium salmon filets from the Faroe Islands and Alaska, Ron says, with the price connected to the speed of the company’s production process.

"But as they systematically update and upgrade their machinery, he believes they will reach the optimum price in about three years.

"Rather than trying to recreate other existing kinds of fish, Ron says Oshi’s next goal is to create a new “species” of plant-based fish.

"This, the company maintains, will appeal not only to the environmentally aware consumer, but also those who like to try something completely new rather than something that merely imitates an existing product."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1576

BISSELL Recalls More Than 3 Million Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaners Due to Burn Hazard

July 18, 2024 from CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:

BISSELL® Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaners have been recalled because the recalled steam cleaners can expel hot water or steam onto users while heating or during use, posing a burn hazard.

Consumer Contact: Contact BISSELL toll-free at 855-417-7001 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, email RecallNA@bissell.com, or online at www.BISSELL.com/steamshotrecall or www.BISSELL.com and click on “Product Recalls” for more information.

Description: This recall involves multiple models of the BISSELL Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaners in the model series 39N7 and 2994. “STEAM SHOT” or “POWER STEAMER” is printed on the side of the product. The model numbers are printed on the product rating label located on the bottom of the unit. Colors include green, pink, blue, orange, white, black, purple and red.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled steam cleaners, and contact BISSELL to receive either a $60 credit to be used towards a BISSELL.com purchase, or a $40 refund for each of the recalled steam cleaners. Consumers should visit www.BISSELL.com/steamshotrecall to register for the recall, and for instructions on how to cut the cord and take and upload a photo of the steam cleaner showing the model number and cut cord.

Incidents/Injuries: BISSELL has received 183 reports of hot water or steam escaping from the product, including 157 reports of minor burn injuries.

Sold At: Target, Walmart, and other department and home goods stores nationwide, and online at www.bissell.com, www.amazon.com, www.hsn.com, and other websites from August 2008 through May 2024 for between $35 and $40, or $70 for a two-pack.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1575

Ross Stores Recalls Armchairs Due to Fall and Injury Hazards

July 11, 2024 from CPSC:

Metal-framed Armchairs have been recalled because the armchair’s leg can bend or break, posing fall and injury hazards..

Consumer Contact: Ross Stores at 800-335-1115 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at customer.inquiries@ros.com, or online at www.rossstores.com/recalls or www.rossstores.com and click on “Legal Notices & Recalled Products” on the bottom of the page for more information.

Description: This recall involves wicker-style armchairs with plastic cross weave on the seat, back and sides, and dark metal frames. The recalled armchairs were sold in green/white color combination (SKU number 400266563392) or in gray/white color combination (SKU number 400266563330), and measure about 33 inches tall, 28 inches deep, and 26 inches wide. The SKU number can be found on a sticker attached to the chair’s leg, and on a hangtag attached to the back of the chair.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled armchairs and return them to any Ross store. Consumers will receive a full refund or a $50 store credit. No purchase receipt will be required.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received five reports of the chair legs breaking; four resulting in minor injuries, including soreness and contusions.

Sold Exclusively At: Ross stores nationwide from February 2024 through April 2024 for about $50.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1574

True Manufacturing Recalls Commercial Refrigerators with Secop Compressors Due to Fire Hazard

Canadian recall on July 7, 2024 including list of recalled products is here

May 2, 2024 from the CPSC in conjunction with Alerta Rapidida Mexico:

Commercial Refrigerators with Secop Compressors have been recalled because the recalled commercial refrigerators with Secop Compressors can fail in a manner causing the compressor to overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Consumer Contact: True Manufacturing toll-free at 855-203-0185 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at info@true-secopcompressor-retrofit.com, or online at www.true-secopcompressor-retrofit.com or www.true-secopcompressor-recall.com for more information, or at www.truemfg.com and click on the “Recall” quick link.

Description: This recall involves commercial refrigerators with Secop compressors with model number NLE11MN. The recalled Secop Compressors installed in True Commercial Refrigerators were sold through corporate channels to commercial customers and to the commercial food service companies. The recalled commercial refrigerators are both black and stainless steel in color, and have configurations with double, triple, and sliding doors. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located inside the commercial refrigerator cabinet by the left door. The following refrigerator models and serial numbers are included in this recall:

A list of recalled products is here.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using commercial refrigerators with Secop compressors with model number NLE11MN, and contact True Manufacturing for a free repair. The original Secop ePTC starter in the compressor with the RSCR motor configuration will be replaced with the CSIR motor configuration. Consumers can register their unit for retrofit at www.true-secopcompressor-retrofit.com or www.true-secopcompressor-recall.com, and an on-site service visit by a technician will be scheduled. True Manufacturing is contacting all known purchasers directly.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1542

St. Louis’ only kosher deli closes after 60 years — and a lawsuit involving $150,000 in unpaid bills

July 12 2024 from the JTa. The Original story from STLJewishLight:

"Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli opened in 1963 and was beloved as one of St. Louis’ few Jewish delis, kosher or non-. It included a kosher butcher, a bakery and a catering business. In November 2022, the shop was bought for an undisclosed amount by two Jewish businessmen from the East Coast.

"On June 27, Mid Town Distribution, the deli’s Chicago-based kosher food supplier, sued Kohn’s owners, Bayk Kohn LLC and Yehuda Kestenbaum. The lawsuit argues that the owners breached their contract and currently owe a balance of $149,345.20 to Mid Town 'for goods sold and delivered (and) for which payment has not been received.'

"On Tuesday, a letter on Kohn’s website from the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis, which provides kosher certification, said the restaurant and grocery at 10405 Old Olive Street Road had “closed until further notice” last week.

"'The Vaad is acutely aware of the need in St. Louis for fresh kosher meat, kosher catering and a kosher restaurant,” the Vaad wrote. “Individuals are working to make all of that available, perhaps by reopening Kohn’s, and the Vaad has done everything to support these efforts. However, numerous practical and legal issues need to be sorted through by the parties involved. We are hopeful that we will be able to announce good news early next week.'"


Kohn’s ‘Killer Pastrami’ lives on at Busch Stadium

July 11, 2024 from STLJewishLight:

"The closing of Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli last week created a void in the Creve Coeur area for kosher meat and one of the restaurant’s most popular items: Killer pastrami. But, for Cardinal fans who go to games at Busch Stadium this season, the authentic Kohn’s killer pastrami sandwich is still available.

"Kohn’s ballpark kiosk, located behind section 147, was slinging out kosher pastrami and hot dogs to a hungry line of customers while the Cards battled the Kansas City Royals on July 10.

"The ballpark cart is not owned by Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli. For several years, the ballpark location has been owned by an individual unaffiliated with the grocery and deli. The preparation of its pastrami, though, has not changed over the past 12 years.

"Kent said the ballpark kiosk uses the Kohn’s recipe, and the preparation of food is Vaad certified. While the sign says Kohn’s, 'We’re separate from Kohn’s Meat and Deli.'"

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1573

Italian authorities confiscate almost $1 million in fake olive oil

July 11 2024 from the CNN Europe:

"Officials in southern Italy have broken up an alleged racket selling fake olive oil, confiscating 42 tons of the extra virgin variety worth almost $1 million.

"Seven people are accused of criminal conspiracy, adulteration of food substances intended for marketing, fraud in public military supplies and adulteration of food for export, according to a memo sent out by the Carabinieri.

"The raids, carried out overnight Monday in the Puglia region, involved search warrants for 18 garages and warehouses.

"Some of the 42 tons of oil was already packaged ready for sale. Authorities confiscated 71 tons of what was referred to as an “oily substance” in plastic tanks, as well as 623 liters of chlorophyll, a component of extra virgin olive oil that was being added to oil of a lesser value.

"They found packaging equipment, labels purporting that the oil was “extra virgin” when it was clearly not, and commercial documentation including 1,145 customs excise duty stamps that are being studied for forgery, the statement said.

"Vans, loading equipment and computers were also seized.

"Authorities also confiscated 174 bottles of champagne that is suspected of being fake and is undergoing testing.

"The investigation started in September with the arrest of 11 people in Italy and Spain and the confiscation of 12 barrels containing 260,000 liters of adulterated, or non-virgin or extra olive oil.

"Incidents of falsified extra virgin olive oil have increased in recent years, due to both the popularity of the Mediterranean diet and the effects of climate change, which has greatly reduced production in southern Europe due to devastating droughts, according to the International Olive Council.

"In January, officials carried out raids at 50 restaurants in Rome and found seed oil being passed off as extra virgin olive oil."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1572

Singapore approves 16 insect species for human consumption to bolster alternative protein

July 9, 2024 from the Food Ingredients First:

"Singapore has approved the use of 16 insects as food and developed an insect regulatory framework to ensure food safety. Insects declared safe for human consumption include house crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, locusts and silk moths, among others (at different life stages). Singapore’s low agricultural production means it has a high dependency (90%) on food imports, which this regulation aims to reduce.

"Food traders need to follow specific SFA guidelines and provide information to the organization for all imports of insects and insect products for human consumption to ensure their safe use in foods.

"These include the scientific name of insects and intended life stage of consumption, details of the farming and processing method, including the type of substrate (i.e. material used for feeding insects) and evidence of history of use as a food in a country other than Singapore.

"Companies selling pre-packaged food, including those containing insects as an ingredient, must label the product packaging to indicate the product’s true nature, asserts the SFA."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1571

China is freaking out over an 'open secret' that its cooking oil was ferried for years in chemical tanks that weren't cleaned FDA bans brominated vegetable oil in beverages amid potential health concerns

July 9, 2024 from the Business Insider:

"A new cooking-oil scandal has erupted in China, about a decade after the country's infamous crackdown on restaurants reusing gutter oil and sewage grease.

"he furor follows a bombshell investigation published on July 2 by the state media outlet Beijing News, which found multiple cases of tank trucks transporting edible cooking oil immediately after delivering chemicals used for coal-to-liquid processing.

"The report's author, Han Futao, found that none of the tank interiors were cleaned between loads.

"Han described one case in which a tank truck in Hebei province delivered chemicals in Qinhuangdao before rushing to Sanhe days later to be filled with soy oil.

"Several truck drivers told Beijing News the practice was a widespread cost-saving measure used by firms with thousands of trucks — an "open secret" in the industry, Han wrote.

"In some seasons, the truckers said, drivers would transport industrial wastewater before delivering edible oils.

"National regulations have been a key target for public anger. They recommend that oil companies use tank trucks dedicated to edible substances, but the guideline is only encouraged and isn't mandatory.

"Food safety in China has already been a sensitive topic for years in the wake of multiple scandals involving gutter oil and deadly chemicals in baby milk powder.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1569

FDA bans brominated vegetable oil in beverages amid potential health concerns

July 4, 2024 from the Food Ingredients First:

"The US FDA has revoked authorization for using brominated vegetable oil in beverages after an updated assessment finds the chemical has the “potential for adverse health effects in humans.” The new ruling will come into force on August 2, 2024, after decades of what some believe has been “inaction” on BVO.

"BVO — a vegetable oil that is modified with bromine and has been used as a food ingredient since the 1920s — can be used as a stabilizer in citrus-flavored beverages, particularly to keep the citrus flavoring from floating to the top. It is also found in some sodas.

"The FDA previously authorized its use in small amounts of 15 parts per million or lower. But a new ruling by the agency highlights how the FDA no longer allows for the use of BVO in food with the agency revoking its food additive regulation on July 3."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1568
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