K A S H R U T . C O M©

The Premier Kosher Information Source on the Internet


HOME | ALERTS | CONSUMER | COMMERCIAL | PASSOVER | TRAVEL | ZEMANIM | LINKS | ARTICLES | RECIPES | HUMOR | E-MAIL LIST
x
Kashrut.com uses cookies. By using kashrut.com, you consent to the practices described in our Privacy Policy. That's Fine.

Subscribe to get e-mail when this site is updated
for: from:
to
 
Shop Artscroll and support Kashrut.com
 

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

US ending extra help for groceries that started during COVID

February 23, 2023 - from AP News

"Nearly 30 million Americans who got extra government help with grocery bills during the pandemic will soon see that aid shrink — and there’s a big push to make sure they’re not surprised.

"Officials in 32 states and other jurisdictions have been using texts, voicemails, snail mail, flyers and social media posts — all in multiple languages — to let recipients know that their extra food stamps end after February’s payments.

"For the average recipient, the change will mean about $90 less per month, though for many, it could be much more, an analysis shows. Benefits will return to usual levels, which are based largely on a household’s income, size and certain expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1378

Passover 2023 Plagued by Continued Inflation

February 28, 2023 - from Kosher Today

"While there may have been some signs in mid-January that inflation may be easing, it has not trickled down to the kosher consumer who is continuing to experience soaring food prices. Food executives also see a grim outlook for this coming Passover (April 5-13) and expect kosher food prices to rise by some 12% over last year. For example, prices for eggs and potatoes which are basic staples on Passover are expected to remain high. The price for a lb. of potatoes is expected to be near 0.50 while the price for a dozen eggs may on average top $3,00, still much better than the recent $5.00 price tag. Experts warn that while demand has moderated, and supply increased there is still the threat that bird flu may cause further shortages. Inflation is also affecting Jewish communities in Europe and Israel where the new government has vowed to institute price controls for Passover.

"n the meantime, inflation has also resulted in higher costs at Passover programs as operators are forced to pass on the inflationary prices to customers. Hotel room rates are also skyrocketing as is air travel."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1377

Closure of Shatzer Matzoh Bakery Creates Huge Shortage and Price Hikes

February 28, 2023 - from Kosher Today

"There are growing fears in the kosher world of a major shortage of matzah and significant price increases this Passover due to the closure of the Shatzer Matzoh Bakery, one of the most iconic and popular Matzah factories. Sources told Kosher Today that the Shatzer bakery had a significant market share in the Shmura hand-made matzoh category. Although other bakeries are promising increased production, one rabbi said that he was not allowed to bake more than he did last year. The news of the sudden closure hit many in the Orthodox community hard as the bakery has been a major institution for Passover for well over a half century. There was a particular concern by operators and caterers who will be managing some 140 Passover programs."


End of an Era: Shatzer Matzah Permanently Closed

February 8, 2023 - from 5 Towns

"hatzer Matzoh, one of the most iconic and popular Matzah factories, has reportedly closed its doors and will not be reopening.

"Shatzer Matzos, located at 210 Cortelyou Rd in Borough Park, serviced thousands of customers each Pesach season for decades. The factory’s owner closed up shop without intent on selling the business.

"Many have raised concerns that this may increase Matzah prices again, as supply and demand will worsen matters. “Matzah is almost as expensive as gold these days! Close down a very popular and successful factory like this one, and things are going to get even more out of control”, commented Josh, a concerned Far Rockaway resident.

"5TC attempted to reach out to the factory for a statement, but the lines were down, and according to Google, the shop is 'permanently closed.'"


Shatzer Matzohs, Brooklyn bakery with a loyal following, appears to have closed

February 9, 2023 - from JTA

"Shatzer Matzohs, a matzah bakery that has operated for decades and gained a loyal following, may not be producing the unleavened bread ahead of Passover this year.

"The owner told the New York Jewish Week that the closure is 'temporary,'5 but that she does not know what the future holds. Another person at the Shatzer phone number said in a subsequent call that the factory may indeed reopen ahead of Passover, but that it has not started baking yet, as it would have at this point in time in previous years.

"In the Facebook group “Great Kosher Restaurants Foodies,” Riki Landa announced that the company is closed this year, adding that the news was 'so sad.'"”

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1364

Clark Associates Recalls Lancaster Table & Seating Brand High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

February 23, 2023 from the CPSC in conjunction with Heathy Canadians:

Lancaster Table & Seating brand High Chairs have been recalled because the high chairs can break, posing a fall hazard to children.

Consumer Contact: Clark Associates at 800-285-8172 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at highchairs@lancastertableandseating.com, online via direct link at www.lancastertableandseating.com/recall or at https://www.therestaurantstore.com or https://www.webstaurantstore.com and click on Safety Recall located on the bottom of the page for more information.

This recall involves Lancaster Table & Seating brand high chairs. The high chairs have black, mahogany, natural or walnut finishes and were sold in either assembled or ready-to-assemble form. Only high chairs manufactured in China are affected. “Made in China” or “made in ____” is printed on the warning label found on the front of the seatback and on the product label found on the underside of the seat bottom. The model number is printed in the label on the underside of the seat bottom.

AssembledReady to Assemble
164HIGHCBK164HIGHCKDBK
164HIGHCMO 164HIGHCKDMO
164HIGHCNAT164HIGHCKDNT
164HIGHCWN 164HIGHCWN

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and return them to any of the Restaurant Store locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland or contact Clark Associates for a free replacement or refund in the form of a store credit and instructions on how to properly discard the product. Consumers will be asked to submit a photo of the dismantled or destroyed product and dispose of it.

Sold At: The Restaurant Store and online at www.therestaurantstore.com and www.webstaurantstore.com from January 2022 through September 2022 for between $43 and $65.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1376

Bindle Bottle Issues Voluntary Recall on 32 Oz, 24 Oz, 20 Oz, and 13 Oz Insulated Food and Drink Bottles

February 22, 2023 from the FDA with correction:

Bindle Bottle LLC of Carlsbad, CA, is recalling its Bindle Bottles because they may contain an area of exposed lead located in the bottom storage compartment of the bottle. Unpackaged food stored in the bottom storage compartment of the bottle may have been adulterated by the lead and could pose health problems to people or animals eating that adulterated food.

The recalled Bindle Bottles were distributed nationwide via bindlebottle.com, amazon.com, promotional distributors, and in retail stores.

The product comes in four sizes: 32 oz, 24 oz, 20 oz, and 13 oz. Bindle Bottle is also recalling the 24 oz bottle that is part of the Puppy Pack.

Reports by Lead Safe Mama, LLC and Consumer Reports led the firm to have the bottle tested. The recall was initiated after analytical results revealed that the small, 0.4” diameter soldering dot in the bottom storage compartment contained lead. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a lack of a cover or barrier to the exposed soldering dot.

As part of the recall, consumers who purchased a Bindle Bottle are eligible to receive at-home repair kits to rectify the issue. These repair kits can be obtained by filling out a form at bindlebottle.com/pages/recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at product_safety@bindlebottle.com

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1375

nanoMaterials Discovery Corporation Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of its Alcohol Antiseptic 80% Alcohol Solution

February 14, 2023 from the FDA:

Seattle, Washington, nanoMaterials Discovery Corporation is voluntarily recalling all lots of its Alcohol Antiseptic 80% Alcohol Solution branded as “Snowy Range Blue” in four fluid ounce spray dispenser packaging to the consumer level. Certain batches of the company’s Alcohol Antiseptic 80% Alcohol Solution may exceed FDA limits for methanol.

The product is used as a hand sanitizer to help reduce bacteria that potentially can cause disease. The product is for use when soap and water are not available. The affected Alcohol Antiseptic 80% Alcohol Solution is packaged in four fluid ounce spray dispenser bottles bearing the code NDC 75288-100-04. The product can be identified by the four fluid ounce spray dispenser bottle packaging and the product labeling pictured below. The affected Alcohol Antiseptic 80% Alcohol Solution was sold nationwide to distributors. Sales of this product were discontinued in Q4 2021.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact nanoMaterials Discovery Corporation at anesepticrecall@gmail.com. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using this drug product.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1374

Two Million COSORI® Air Fryers Recalled by Atekcity Due to Fire and Burn Hazards (Recall Alert)

February 23, 2023 from the CPSC in conjunction with Heathy Canadians:

Cosori Air Fryers have been recalled bcause a wire connection in the air fryers can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

About 2 million (In addition, about 250,000 were sold in Canada and about 21,000 were sold in Mexico)

Consumer Contact Cosori toll-free at 888-216-5974 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at CosoriRecall@Sedgwick.com or online at www.recall.cosori.com or www.cosori.com and click on the “Important Voluntary Safety Recall. Learn More” banner at the bottom of the page for more information.

This recall involves Cosori air fryers with model numbers CP158-AF, CP158-AF-R19, CP158-AF-RXW, CP158-AF-RXR, CAF-P581-BUSR, CAF-P581-AUSR, CAF-P581-RUSR, CP137-AF, CP137-AF-RXB, CP137-AF-RXR, CP137-AF-RXW, CS158-AF, CS158-AF-RXB, CS158-AF-R19, CAF-P581S-BUSR, CAF-P581S-RUSR, CAF-P581S-AUSR, CO137-AF, CO158-AF, CO158-AF-RXB, CP258-AF. The brand name Cosori is on the front of each unit. The model number is printed on the bottom label of each unit and on the accompanying user manual. The units are size 3.7 and 5.8 qt. and were sold in black, gray, white, blue or red colors.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled air fryers and contact Cosori to receive their choice of a free replacement air fryer or another Cosori product by registering at recall.cosori.com. During registration consumers must provide their contact information and submit photos of the recalled unit with the cord cut off. No receipt is needed to receive a replacement.

The firm has received 205 reports of the air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating and smoking. These include 10 reports of minor, superficial burn injuries and 23 reports of minor property damage.

Sold At: Best Buy, Target and The Home Depot stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Adorama.com, Bedbathandbeyond.com, Cosori.com, eBay.com, Homegoods.com, Kohls.com, Lowes.com, Macys.com, QVC.com, Staples.com, Vesync.com, Walmart.com, Wayfair.com, Wellbots.com and Woot.com from June 2018 through December 2022 for between $70 and $130.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1373

Shopping Reminders: Purim and Online

February 22, 2023 from the cRc Twitter:

Starting to stock up for Mishloach Manos? Remember to check product labels for kosher certification, including store brands and items bought online, even if it's a product you buy all the time or have bought recently!


February 2, 2023: From the COR Detroit:

ONLINE SHOPPING REMINDER: When shopping online for grocery delivery or curbside pickup, always check the actual label on each item when the order is received. This is essential because many online descriptions or pictures give inaccurate or outdated information regarding the product’s Kosher status. In addition, the store may substitute non-Kosher or non-approved products if the requested item is not available.

One recent example: Great Value [Walmart] regular Tomato Ketchup is pictured online with an OU symbol, but the actual product in the store and that is delivered does not bear an OU.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1372

Pentagon warns poppy seeds might cause troops to fail drug tests

February 22, 2023 from the Washington Post:

"The Defense Department is advising U.S. military personnel to be mindful of a substance that could derail their careers: poppy seeds.

"In a memo published Tuesday, Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, warned service members that eating poppy seeds could result in a failed drug test.

"Navy Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman said in an email to The Washington Post that the Defense Department became aware of the poppy seed problem last year. She said the department reviewed studies and worked with a laboratory to analyze codeine and morphine levels in poppy seed brands.

"New data shows some poppy seeds varieties “may have higher codeine contamination than previously reported,” Cisneros’s memo states.

"'Consumption of poppy seed products could cause a codeine positive urinalysis result and undermine the Department’s ability to identify illicit drug use,' he wrote."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1371

Paradise Grills Recalls Outdoor Kitchens Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

February 16, 2023 from the CPSC

Paradise Grills First Generation Outdoor Kitchens have been recalled because the Liquid propane (LP) gas can accumulate inside the closed lid and cabinets, causing an explosion when the user relights the grill, posing fire and burn hazards to the user.

Consumer Contact: Paradise Grills at 800-604-2023 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at safetynotice@paradisegrills.com, or online at www.paradisegrillsdirect.com/safety-notice or www.paradisegrilldirect.com and click on “Safety Recall” for more information.

This recall involves First Generation Paradise Grills Outdoor Kitchens. They can have cabinets, sinks, refrigerators, and other features such as LED lighting, Tiki Huts, commercial grills, granite and other additional options. The recalled models are the GX-3, GX-4, GX-5, GX-6, GX-7, GX-8, GX-9, GX-10, GX-11 GX12 and GX14, Tahiti, Fiji, Tropicana, Aruba 6 and Aruba 8. The model name is listed on the sales agreement.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills and contact Paradise Grills to receive a new 16”x 4” stainless steel vent to be installed on the First Generation Outdoor Kitchen.

Consumers located in Florida, Texas, Georgia and Alabama should immediately contact Paradise Grills to schedule a date for completion of their free repair. This includes labor and a new vent.

Consumers located in all other states should immediately contact Paradise Grills to receive free shipment of the vent, installation instructions, and reimbursement for the installation cost by a qualified professional or technician. The firm will require a copy of the installer’s invoice or billing statement (marked “Paid”) for the installation service. Paradise Grills is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Sold At: Paradise Grills showrooms and at home, boat and RV shows nationwide from January 2009 through December 2020 for between $4,000 and $15,000.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1369
Older news

The information posted is from secondary sources. We cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Comments to webmaster@kashrut.com 
© Copyright 2024 Scharf Associates
Phone: (781)784-6890 
E-mail: ajms@kashrut.com
URL: "http://www.kashrut.com/"
 
Arlene J. Mathes-Scharf  
Food Scientist - Kosher Food Specialist
 
Scharf Associates
P.O. Box 50
Sharon, MA 02067