K A S H R U T . C O M_©

December 25, 2023 from the Jerusalem Post:

"The Food Industries Association of Israel (FIAI) warned that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and along with an increasing threat from Houthi rebels along the Bab al-Mandab Strait, that unless immediate action is taken by the Israeli government, Israel's food security is in danger.

"Dr. Ron Tomer, the current president of the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel (MAI) and Dodi Manevich, Chairman of the Food Industries Association, appealed to Chairman of the Economy Committee in the Knesset MK David Bitan with a request to hold an emergency discussion on the subject of food security and Israel's emergency stockpile.

"The two warned that the government must have a strategy prepared within which goals will be set to ensure local production of at least 75% of the required food in order to prevent a food crisis.

"The FIAI stated that approximately 90% of Israel's food production facilities are located in the conflict zones in the north and south, and despite the security tensions, the facilities are continuing to operate while they are exposed to rocket barrages from Gaza or Lebanon and many of their employees have been evacuated to remote areas.

"At the outbreak of war following the October 7 massacres, supermarkets and shops across Israel saw panic-buying ahead of the expected Israeli military retaliation. Water, toilet paper, and other essentials quickly sold out throughout the countrym and limits were put in place to prevent people from overbuying supplies."

December 22, 2023 from the Water Digest

"As climate change and water scarcity become increasingly urgent issues around the world, governments are turning to new options to ensure adequate water supplies — including turning sewage waste into drinking water.

"And if you’re in California, this may soon be flowing from your kitchen tap.

"The State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday voted to allow water companies to pump treated wastewater into residents’ taps in the populous, drought-prone state.

"Members unanimously approved the new regulations on Tuesday, after years of discussions and just before a deadline set six years ago for the state to adopt regulations for reusing wastewater by the end of 2023. After the new rules are finalized next year, water companies will be able to submit plans for projects to be approved by the board.

"Many people are already drinking treated wastewater, Esquivel said, the Associated Press reported. What exists now is wastewater treated by what’s known as “indirect potable reuse,” a process where wastewater is released into natural water bodies, such as reservoirs and rivers, before being turned into drinking water."

December 21, 2023 from the CPSC :

Foldable wood and rope bistro set chairs have been recalled because the wooden frame of the chair can break or collapse when a consumer is seated in the chair, posing a fall hazard.

This recall involves foldable wood and rope bistro set chairs sold as part of a three- or five-piece set. Some of the sets were sold under Nautica or House & Garden brands. The folding chair sets consist of one small wooden table and two or four foldable chairs made with wood frames, and rope on the seat and back in either gray, turquoise, brown, sand, black, aqua, pink, green, taupe or white, and a gold bar supporting the back legs. Some chairs were sold individually at stores. The chairs were also sold online labeled as three-piece handcrafted in Vietnam and three-piece HD Furniture Group indoor-outdoor rope and Acacia Wood Bistro Table and Chairs Set.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and contact TJX for instructions on how to receive a full refund and dispose of chairs. Consumers can also return the recalled chairs to any HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Homesense or Sierra store for a full refund.

Sold At: Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Homesense and Sierra stores nationwide, and online at Homegoods.com, TJmaxx.tjx.com, Marshalls.com, and Sierra.com from March 2020 through September 2023 for between $130 and $350 and between $40 and $80 for chairs sold individually.

For Consumer Contact information click here.

December 14, 2023 from the CPSC :

Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Propane Grills have been recalled because the burner control knob can be incorrectly labeled, which can result in the grill being unintentionally left on, posing a fire hazard.

Consumer Contact: Traeger toll-free at 833-654-2407 seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT or online at www.traeger.com/recall or www.traeger.com and click on “Recall” for more information.

This recall involves the Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grills powered by propane. The product is black in color and has a closeable lid with a silver handle and the name “Traeger” written on it in black with the Traeger logo. The product is approximately 74 inches long by 27 inches wide by 36 inches tall and weighs about 189 lbs. The grills have a silver color label located on the rear with SKU Number as 1DFL42LLA.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grills and contact Traeger for inspection instructions and, if the burner control knobs are incorrectly labeled, consumers will receive a free repair kit.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 57 reports of flame adjustment knobs being incorrectly labeled. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Ace Hardware, The Home Depot and Scheel’s stores nationwide and online at www.acehardware.com, www.homedepot.com andwww.traeger.com from February 2023 through October 2023 for about $900

Tomato shortage looms as Israeli farmers struggle

December 11, 2023 - from the Vinnews:

"The warnings issued by supermarket chains are now becoming a reality as Eyal Ravid, owner of the Victory chain, predicts an impending shortage of vegetables, particularly tomatoes.

"This shortage is primarily due to a lack of skilled workers available for harvesting and sowing crops for the next season. Ravid expressed his frustration, stating that his vegetable manager is desperately searching for tomatoes in vain, as they are nowhere to be found in the market. The scarcity extends to other produce such as zucchini and cucumbers, leaving the entire country dependent on vegetable imports from Turkey.

"In an attempt to address the crisis, Ravid penned a letter to Economy Minister Nir Barkat, pleading for assistance on behalf of farmers who are struggling to keep Israeli agriculture alive. Ravid emphasized the urgency of the situation, as he warned that without immediate action, Israeli produce will be scarce in the coming months. He stressed the need to initiate a national seeding operation without delay.

"The Agriculture Ministry has been under scrutiny by farmers who feel abandoned in dealing with the shortage of foreign workers, such as those from Thailand. Farmers like Yigal Ben Mukha, owner of the "Tomato" brand, express frustration at the lack of assistance from the ministry in handling the return of foreign workers. The bureaucratic process involved in their return, which includes coordination between the Interior, Labor, and Agriculture Ministries, has been neglected. Farmers feel ignored and abandoned by the government, only receiving attention during times of conflict and emergency situations.

"Ravid proceeded to highlight the importance of addressing the labor shortage promptly. He estimated that 500 workers are needed urgently for a thirty-day period to manage the current crisis effectively. He insisted that even if the price of tomatoes needs to be increased to secure supply, he is willing to pay, as the alternative is relying solely on imports.

"The Agriculture Ministry responded to the criticism, acknowledging the labor shortage of approximately 30,000 workers since the start of the conflict. They stated that the ministry is actively working with the Population and Immigration Authority and the Foreign Ministry to establish bilateral agreements with other countries. An agreement with Sri Lanka has already been signed to bring in workers immediately.

"Additionally, the government has approved the entry of 5,000 foreign workers in agriculture through a private recruitment agency."

"he ministry assured that they are also committed to supporting the recruitment of Israeli workers in agriculture by offering incentives of between NIS 3,000 and NIS 8,000 per employee for three months. They encourage farmers to explore alternative areas within the country for sowing and planting. Furthermore, the ministry is working alongside the Ministry of Finance to reduce production costs and provide dedicated budgets to rehabilitate agriculture in affected regions.

"It is crucial for the government to prioritize the agricultural sector and initiate immediate measures to alleviate the labor shortage. By supporting local farmers and ensuring a robust workforce, Israel can maintain its self-sufficiency in agriculture and prevent heavy reliance on imports."