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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

No-kill, lab-grown meat to go on sale for first time

December 4, 2020 - from the The Guardian:

"Cultured meat, produced in bioreactors without the slaughter of an animal, has been approved for sale by a regulatory authority for the first time. The development has been hailed as a landmark moment across the meat industry."

"The 'chicken bites', produced by the US company Eat Just, have passed a safety review by the Singapore Food Agency and the approval could open the door to a future when all meat is produced without the killing of livestock, the company said."

"The cells for Eat Just’s product are grown in a 1,200-litre bioreactor and then combined with plant-based ingredients. Initial availability would be limited, the company said, and the bites would be sold in a restaurant in Singapore. The product would be significantly more expensive than conventional chicken until production was scaled up, but Eat Just said it would ultimately be cheaper."

"The cells used to start the process came from a cell bank and did not require the slaughter of a chicken because cells can be taken from biopsies of live animals. The nutrients supplied to the growing cells were all from plants."

"The growth medium for the Singapore production line includes foetal bovine serum, which is extracted from foetal blood, but this is largely removed before consumption. A plant-based serum would be used in the next production line, the company said, but was not available when the Singapore approval process began two years ago."

"The companies developing lab-grown meat believe this is the product most likely to wean committed meat-eaters off traditional sources. Vegan diets are viewed as unappealing by some, and plant-based meat replacements are not always regarded as replicating the texture and flavour of conventional meat. Meat cultivated in bioreactors also avoids the issues of bacterial contamination from animal waste and the overuse of antibiotics and hormones in animals."

"The small scale of current cultured meat production requires a relatively high use of energy and therefore carbon emissions. But once scaled up its manufacturers say it will produce much lower emissions and use far less water and land than conventional meat."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1121

Eco Baby Spoons and Forks, Eco Feeding Spoons, and Eco Placemat Feeding Sets Recalled Due to Choking Hazard; Made by Herobility

November 25, 2020 - from CPSC in conjunction with Healthy Canadians:

Baby Spoons and Forks, Feeding Spoons and Placemat Feeding sets 4PCs have been recalled because the Eco Baby Spoon and Fork and Eco Feeding Spoon can break into small pieces, posing a choking hazard.

Consumer Contact: Contact Herobility toll-free at 866-510-5006 from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.herobility.com and click on the recall link on the homepage or go directly to https://herobility.com/en/recalls.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1120

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers Recalled by Sunbeam Products Due to Burn Hazard

November 24, 2020 - from CPSC in conjunction with Healthy Canadians:

Crock-Pot® 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers have been recalled because the recalled Crock-Pot multi-cooker can pressurize when the lid is not fully locked. This can cause the lid to suddenly detach while the product is in use, posing burn risks to consumers from hot food and liquids ejected from the product.

This recall involves Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cookers, Model Number SCCPPC600-V1, which is shown on label on bottom of unit. The multi-cookers were manufactured between July 1, 2017 and October 1, 2018, with date codes K196JN through K365JN and L001JN through L273JN. The date code is engraved on one of the prongs of the electrical plug and on the bottom of the base.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Crock-Pot in pressure cooker mode, but may continue to use for slow cooking and sautéing. Consumers should contact Crock-Pot immediately to obtain a free replacement lid. Consumers who continue using the multi-cooker in pressure cooker mode while waiting for the replacement lid should be certain the lid is securely turned to the fully locked position by aligning the arrow on the lid with the lock symbol on the base.

ncidents/Injuries: Sunbeam Products has received 119 reports of lid detachment, resulting in 99 burn injuries ranging in severity from first-degree to third-degree burns.

Sold At: Walmart, Target and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon and other online retailers from July 2017 through November 2020 for between $70 to $100.

Consumer Contact: Crock-Pot at 800-323-9519 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at recall.crockpot.com for more information.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1119

Despite pandemic, Argentina looks to double kosher meat output in 2021

November 10, 2020 from the JTA

"In the midst of a kosher meat price war in Argentina, one of the world’s largest suppliers of kosher meat, a new batch of Israeli rabbis arrived to increase output in the midst of a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic."

"The 87 rabbis who arrived last week will help the country double its exports of kosher meat in 2021, according to Argentina’s government. About 24,000 tons were exported last year."

"A similar group of nearly 100 rabbis came from Israel in June."

"Last month, Jewish businessman Roberto Goldfarb, who owns the Diarco market chain, began selling kosher meat locally for far cheaper than traditional prices, comparing the country’s kosher certification industry to a “mafia.” He was supported in a statement by the The Latin American Rabbinical Seminary, a branch of the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly."

"But the country’s Orthodox chief rabbis blasted the statement, calling the Conservative groups “self-designated rabbinical institutions” and saying they do not set prices, only provide certification services."

"The cheaper kosher meat sold at Diarco supermarkets — in some cases less than half the traditional price — isn’t supervised by conservative rabbis, but by an Orthodox rabbi affiliated with the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, Rabbi Yosef Itzjak Feigelstok."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1117

FDA Issues Draft Guidance for Industry on Voluntary Disclosure of Sesame When Added as Flavoring or Spice

November 10, 2020 from FDA:

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a draft guidance for voluntary sesame labeling to encourage manufacturers to clearly declare sesame in the ingredient list, when it is used as a “flavoring” or “spice” or when the common or usual name (such as tahini) does not specify sesame. This voluntary labeling guidance to industry aims to help consumers who are allergic or sensitive to sesame to avoid these products."

"Sesame has been identified as a food allergen that can cause reactions such as hives, vomiting, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. Sesame is not one of the eight major food allergens required by the 2004 Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) to be included in specific allergen labeling, but in most cases, it does have to appear in the ingredient statement. An exception is when sesame is part of a flavoring or spice. In those cases, it may be declared as simply “spice” or “flavor” on the label without requiring “sesame” to be included, so its presence may not be obvious to consumers. The FDA is recommending that manufacturers voluntarily declare sesame following the spice or flavor, such as, “spice (sesame)” or “flavor (sesame).” FDA is also recommending if a term is used for a food that is or contains sesame, such as tahini, sesame should be voluntarily included in parentheses following the ingredient."

"On October 30, 2018, FDA issued a notice requesting data and information on the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies in the United States and the prevalence of sesame-containing food in the United States that are not required to disclose sesame as an ingredient. Data and information received in response to the notice indicated that the reported prevalence of sesame allergies in the U.S. population appears to have increased, that sesame causes a relatively high frequency of severe allergic adverse events, and that allergic reactions to sesame may occur from products with undeclared sesame ingredients."

"The FDA does not have the authority to amend the eight major food allergens established by FALCPA; however, it has the authority under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require labeling for other food allergens not covered by the requirements in FALCPA. The FDA continues to assess allergens of public health importance, including potential science-based options to empower consumers with information about these allergens."

Voluntary Disclosure of Sesame as an Allergen: Guidance for Industry

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1116

NJ Bans Single-Use Bags

November 9, 2020 from sfa feed:

"New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a single-use bag ban into law. The ban phases out both plastic and paper disposable bags and polystyrene foodservice items, and allows for plastic straws only upon request. The ban will take effect in May 2022."

"'Plastic bags are one of the most problematic forms of garbage, leading to millions of discarded bags that stream annually into our landfills, rivers, and oceans,' said Governor Murphy, in a statement. 'With today’s historic bill signing, we are addressing the problem of plastic pollution head-on with solutions that will help mitigate climate change and strengthen our environment for future generations.'"

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1115

Ritz Carlton Manama will be First Hotel in Bahrain to Offer Kosher Food

November 9, 2020 from Jewish Press:

"The luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel in Manama, Bahrain will become the first hotel in the Gulf kingdom to offer kosher certified food through the help of Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher."The "changeover will happen in November."

"Following the signing of the Abraham Accords, there has been a surge in interest from Jewish business and leisure travelers from Israel, North America and Europe in visiting Bahrain."

"The hotel and their new kosher kitchen which will be overseen by OU Kosher certifiers. Additionally, OU Kosher is helping the hotel identify a kosher culinary team member who will serve as a mashgiach, or kosher supervisor, when kosher meals are prepared on the premises. "

"The Ritz Carlton Manama is a five-star luxury resort is located in the exclusive Al Seef district in Manama, Bahrain."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1114

New Startup Turns Fungi Into Vegan Cheese

October 13, 2020 from the VegNews

"Bioengineering startup Change Foods is working to recreate dairy products without animals. The company—which was founded in Australia last year and opened a headquarters in San Francisco earlier this year—uses a technique called precision fermentation with a variety of microorganisms such as yeast and filamentous fungi that are genetically modified and then fermented with sugar. The technique produces key compounds such as casein that are nearly bio-identical to those found in dairy, and those compounds are combined with plant-based ingredients to create products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese. According to the brand, its product reduces energy consumption by 65 percent, requires 98 percent less water, and produces 84 percent fewer carbon emissions compared to dairy from cows."

"Currently, Change Foods is focusing on creating cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and the initial products are expected to be priced comparably to artisanal cheeses. The company aims to be ready for the retail market by 2022."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1113

Polish Government Vows To Introduce New Bill To End Ritual Slaughter

November 6, 2020 from the Vosizneias

"The Polish government has scrapped a bill that would have banned the production of kosher and halal meat, but vowed to introduce a new one."

"Agriculture Minister Grzegorz Puda announced Wednesday that the bill, already passed by parliament, will not be brought to the president for a signature. Instead, a new law will be drafted and submitted to parliament."

"The development is the latest in a series of conflicting legislative actions on ritual slaughter that illustrate the right-wing government’s difficulties in implementing a policy it believes in, but which has the potential of hurting many farmers who belong to its base."

"Puda did not explain the reason for the decision, but he seemed to suggest that the original legislation was not restrictive enough on ritual slaughter, a $1.8 billion industry in Poland, most of it for export."

"The bill, which also included a ban on raising animals for fur and would have beefed up the legal discretion available to veterinarians and animal welfare inspectors, took into account the interests of farmers and entrepreneurs, Puda said in explaining the move."

"A parliamentary committee had initially excluded ritual slaughter from the bill, but that provision was reintroduced before it passed. Last month, the Polish Senate introduced an amendment that postponed the ban’s implementation to 2025."

"Puda said the new bill will be “adjusted to E.U. laws,” which he said ban ritual slaughter. In reality, European laws allow for slaughtering animals without stunning for religious reasons, as is required by Judaism and Islam. The new bill is expected to include a proposed ban on ritual slaughter for export."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1112

YETI Recalls Rambler Travel Mugs with Stronghold Lid Due to Injury and Burn Hazards

November 4, 2020 - from CPSC:

Rambler® 20 oz Travel Mugs with Stronghold Lids have been recalled because the magnet slider on the lid can eject and hot contents can spill out, posing injury and burn hazards.

Color

SKU

Date Code

Black

21070060046

21070070041

34204010

Seafoam

21070060048

21070070043

34204010

Navy

21070060047

21070070042

34204010

Ice Pink

21070060052

21070070047

34204010

Northwoods Green

21070060050

21070070045

34204010

Graphite

21070060066

34204010

Copper

21070060064

34204010

Consumers should immediately stop using the Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid and visit yeti.com for instructions on returning the lid or at a YETI store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: YETI toll-free at 833-444-3151 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday to Friday, productrecall@yeti.com, or online at https://www.yeti.com/en_US/product-recall.html.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1111
Older news

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