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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

Updates on Hand Sanitizers with Methanol

The full FDA list is here

July 27, 2020 Walmart list of stores that sold recalled hand sanitizers is here.

Born Basic Hand Sanitizer was sold at Target

July 2, 2020 from the FDA

ITECH 361 is voluntarily recalling 18,940 bottles of All Clean Hand Sanitizer, Moisturizer and Disinfectant sold in one liter bottles to the consumer level. The products are being recalled due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol).

FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested and can be life-threatening when ingested.

The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations and death.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1048

Virus Can Travel 26 Feet at Cold Meat Plants With Stale Air

July 23, 2020 from NewsMax:

"Cold and stale air conditions allowed coronavirus particles to travel more than 8 meters (26 feet) at a German slaughterhouse, a study showed, giving an insight into how meat plants turned into hotspots for infections across the world."

"Researchers reconstructed the likely cause of the outbreak at a Toennies Group slaughterhouse in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, where about 1,500 workers contracted the virus. Similar conditions at plants globally are a reason they’ve become virus epicenters, according to the report from groups including the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research."

"Meat plants from the U.S. to the U.K. and South America have seen the rapid spread of the virus, infecting thousands of employees who often work in close proximity on processing lines. Dozens of workers have died, and labor advocates have said that a lack of social distancing could continue to put people at risk. Outbreaks also forced American meat plants to close earlier this year, sparking some protein shortages."

"Meanwhile, China is ramping up testing of imports of cold food for the virus. Even as global scientific experts say that the likelihood of transmission through food is extremely low, the Asian country has slapped export bans on some abattoirs with cases, further fueling the urgency to contain the disease."

"The Toennies outbreak likely began from one employee in May and was largely transmitted in the plant’s dismantling area, where rooms are often chilled to 10C degrees (50 Fahrenheit). Chilly air circulated without frequent changes -- coupled with a strenuous work conditions -- helped particles move large distances."

"Under these conditions, a distance of 1.5 to 3 meters between workers isn’t sufficient to prevent transmission."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1060

New York likely to become third state to ban PHAS in food packaging

July 29, 2020 from Food Safety News:

"A bill to ban the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, that are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals in food packaging after Dec.31, 2022, is now on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk."

"The bill amending New York’s environmental conservation law cleared the New York General Assembly on July 23. If signed into law by Gov. Cuomo, the new law will prohibit anyone from distributing, selling, or offering for sale any food in any packaging containing PFAS chemicals."

"PFAS, as an intentionally added chemical, will be illegal after Dec. 21, 2022, which is the effective date of the new law. It passed the General Assembly by a 118-to-23 vote."

"Legislative sponsors say the new law will protect consumers from the harmful effects of a dangerous class of chemicals linked to serious health problems."

"The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (A. 4739) and Senator Brad Hoylman (S. 8817), bans the sale or distribution of food packaging that contains PFAS."

"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people can be exposed to low levels of PFAS through food, which can become contaminated through:

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1059

Anti-Schechita and Anti- Kaporos Legislation in New York State Legislature Covid Environment

June 30, 2020 from Koshertoday:

"There are bills moving through the state legislature that may affect kaporos (the pre-Yom Kippur ritual of praying for life – with chickens) in New York and Schechita (kosher slaughter) as a whole. It is being proposed because in China, Covid-19 was spread in animal markets that slaughter on premises. Sentences like 'Prohibition of the operation of establishments where animals and/or fowls are slaughtered for food.' and 'the Commissioner shall immediately suspend the license of any person, firm, partnership or corporation that currently holds a license issued by the Commissioner to operate any place or establishment where animals and/or fowls are slaughtered or butchered for food.'"

"The big question is whether Covid will be an excuse to curtail the ritual of Kaporos where chickens are used prior to Yom Kippur. Even more disconcerting is language in bills that would ban schechita. Sources told Kosher Today that 'the bills do not appear to have any serious traction, but vigilance is required nonetheless.'"

From a reader: The bill that is being presented is New York Senate Bill S8291

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1052

Maquiladora Miniara S.A. de C.V. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Shine and Clean Hand Sanitizer and Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol (Wood Alcohol)

July 24, 2020 from the FDA

Maquiladora Miniara S.A. de C.V. is voluntarily recalling lots of Shine and Clean Hand Sanitizer gel to the consumer level. The products are being recalled due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol)

These products are used as topical hand sanitizers. The affected Shine and Clean Hand Sanitizer Gel is packaged in 1000 ml bottles and 1-gallon containers. Lot numbers:

F200829088/F200829095/F200829107/D202728743/D202528742/D202428733/D202728743/
D2028753/D202528742/D202428733/ D202028689/ D201828660/ D202428734/E200128784/E200418795/
D202428734/D202828689/D201828660/E201628912/E201628913/E201628911/E201528902/E201528903/
E201628910/E201628918/E201628914/E201628915/E201628916/E201628917/ E202328969/E202428975/
E202528981 /E202128947/ E201728918/E201728919/E201428876/ E201828894/ E201828920/
E201428876/E201128850/E201328859/E200628817/E200828826/E200928840/D202128699/D202428700.

Maquiladora Miniara S.A. de C.V. is notifying its distributors and customers by e-mail and is arranging for return of all recalled products. Distributors that have Shine and Clean Hand Sanitizer which is being recalled, should stop using and distributing product and contact their clients.

Consumers who have questions about this recall can contact Maquiladora Miniara S.A. de C.V. By +52 55 33871987 + 52 55 8394 5857 or Hector.carrillo@miniara.com.mx the hours are available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Consumers should contact their doctor or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems related to taking or using this medicine.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1058

Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Four Hand Sanitizer Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol (Wood Alcohol)

July 23, 2020 from the FDA

La Loma, Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV is voluntarily recalling all lots it manufactured within expiry of the following brand names of hand sanitizers:


The products are being recalled due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol).

Scent Theory and Born Basic hand sanitizer products are produced by several different manufacturers, in several different countries, and only those lots manufactured by Real Clean in Mexico are subject to the recall.

Manufacturer Product Country of Origin Size Lot Numbers
Real Clean Distribuciones S.A. De C.V. Scent Theory Keep Clean Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol Mexico 16.9oz 1633220, 1733220, 1833220, 1933220, 2033220, 2133220, 2233220, 2333220, 2433220, 2533220, 2633220, 2733220, 2833220, 2933220, 3033220, 3133220, 3233220, 3333220, 3433220, 3533220, 3633220, 3733220, 3833220, 3933220, 4033220, 4133220
Real Clean Distribuciones S.A. De C.V. Keep it Clean Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol Mexico 16.9oz 0133220, 0233220, 0333220, 0433220, 0533220, 0633220, 0733220, 0833220, 0933220, 1033220 1133220, 1233220, 1333220, 1433220, 1533220
Real Clean Distribuciones S.A. De C.V. Born Basic Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol Mexico 16.9oz 0833420, 0933420, 1033420, 1133420, 1233420, 1333420, 1433420, 1533420, 1633420, 1733420, 1833420, 1933420, 2033420, 2133420, 2233420, 2333420, 2433420, 2533420, 2633420, 2733420, 2833420, 2933420
Real Clean Distribuciones S.A. De C.V. Born Basic Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol Mexico 34oz 0133420, 0233420, 0333420, 0433420, 0533420, 0633420
Real Clean Distribuciones S.A. De C.V. Born Basic Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer 70% Alcohol Mexico 9.5oz 0133720, 0233720
Real Clean Distribuciones S.A. De C.V. Lux Eoi Hand Sanitizing Gel Mexico 16.9oz 0133920, 0233920, 0333920

Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV is notifying its distributors by recall letter and consumers via this press release. Real Clean Distribuciones SA de CV is arranging for the return and refund of all recalled products.

Consumers/distributors/retailers that have the product subject to this recall should stop using/distributing/selling Hand Sanitizer and return it to the place of purchase; because the affected products are considered hazardous materials, do not destroy the affected products.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Stericycle during the following hours: Sunday - Saturday 08:00 am - 8:00 pm EST at:

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1057

Cookware Company Recalls Greenpan SimmerLite Dutch Ovens Due to Burn and Injury Hazards

July 22, 2020 - from CPSC :

Double Greenpan SimmerLite Dutch Oven with Lid has been recalled because the lid on the dutch oven can explode while it is inside the oven, posing injury and burn hazards to the consumer.

This recall involves the Greenpan Simmerlite Dutch Oven with Lid. The product was sold in six sizes, 3.5Q-7.0Q, and two colors: Black Metallic and Smokey Sky Blue. The top of the lid says “THE DUTCH OVEN” and “GREENPAN.” The bottom of the lid states “Dishwasher Safe. The Dutch Oven Designed and Engineered in Belgium.” The bottom of the oven states “Original GreenPan with Magneto2 Induction Technology All Heat Sources Including Induction.” There is a four-digit date code laser etched onto the back of the sidehandles. The UPC code is printed on the bottom of the box under the barcode.

Recalled Product  Name

UPC Code

GreenPan Simmerlite 3.5Q covered dutch oven

885837016505

GreenPan Simmerlite 4.5Q covered dutch oven

885837016512

GreenPan Simmerlite 5.5Q covered (round) dutch oven

885837016529

GreenPan Simmerlite 7Q covered dutch oven

885837017922

GreenPan Simmerlite 6.5Q oval dutch oven

885837017939

GreenPan SimmerLite 5.5Q oval dutch oven  

885837019681

Consumer Contact: Cookware Company toll-free at 877-926-6526 between 8:30am and 5:00pm ET Monday through Friday, email simmerlite@cookware-co.com or online at www.greenpan.us and click on “SimmerLite Dutch Oven Product Recall” for more information.

Sold At: Online at Greenpan.us, Amazon.com, Macys.com, Surlatable.com, Food52.com and in various independent gourmet kitchen stores nationwide from September 2018 through May 2020 for between $100 and $170.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1056

LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. Issues Voluntary Recall of the Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer Due to the Potential Presence of Undeclared Methanol

July 20, 2020 from the FDA

AN NICOLAS DE LOS GARZA, Mexico -- LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. is voluntarily recalling all lots and all bottle sizes of The OPTIMUS Instant Hand Sanitizer due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol) that were shipped into the United States. The products were manufactured between April 27, 2020 and May 08, 2020.

Recalled Products

Product(s) NDCs Sizes UPC Lot #s & Expiration Dates
Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer 75416-002-01 8.5Fl Oz.(250 mL) 7501799115621 (L) 20-02 EXP 05/2022
Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer 75416-001-04 55 Gal (208 L) 7501799118998 See List
Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer 75416-378-04 1 GAL (3.78L) 7501799118837 (L) 20-03 EXP 05/22
Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer 75416-004-01 275 Gal (1,040 L) 7501799118981 (L) 5200 EXP 05/2022

55 Gal Blue Drum Lot Numbers:

L-1160 EXP 05/2022 L-2160 EXP 05/2022 L-3160 EXP 05/2022 L-1180 EXP 05/2022 L-2180 EXP 05/2022 L-2190 EXP 05/2022
L-1200 EXP 06/2022 L-2200 EXP 06/2022 L-3200 EXP 06/2022 L-4200 EXP 06/2022 L-5200 EXP 06/2022 L-1210 EXP 06/2022 L-2210 EXP 06/2022

Master Cartons Lot Numbers,

L-1150 L-2150 L-3150 L-4150 L-5150 L-6150
L-1160 L-2160 L-3160 L-4160 L-5160 L-6160
L-1170 L-2170 L-3170 L-4170 L-5170 L-1180
L-3180 L-4180 L-6180 L-1190 L-2190 L-3190
L-4190 L-5190 L-6190 L-1200 L-2200 L-3200
L-4200 L-5200 L-6200 L-2180

The Hand Sanitizer is distributed in a 55 Gal (208 L) plastic blue drum and in 8.5Fl Oz. (250 mL), 1Gal (3.78 L), and 275 Gal (1,040L) clear plastic HDPE bottles or tank. All are labeled with a green and white label. The product was distributed throughout the United States.

Each product contains a lot number consisting of a letter followed by a dash four digits (example L-1180). This number can be found on the master cartons and written in black pen on the 55 Gal blue drum and the 275 Gal plastic tank.

The individual bottles are labeled with a lot number and expiration date in the format below. See table for lot numbers of each individual bottle.

(L) 20-02 EXP 05/2022

LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. is notifying its customers/distributors by recall letter and consumers via this press release. LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. is arranging for return and refund, if it is the case, of all recalled products.

Consumers/distributors/retailers that have the product subject to this recall should stop using/distributing the Optimus Instant Hand Sanitizer and return it to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact LIQ-E S.A. de C.V. during business hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (CT)

Toll Free: 5281 81316021
FAX: 5281 81316018
Email: Ignacio.ortiz@liqesa.com

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1055

Foie Gras Gets Glatt Kosher Stamp

July 16, 2020 from Jewish Press:

"The Chief Rabbinical Council of Israel approved on Monday the importation of glatt-kosher certified foie gras to Israel—an item that has not been non-glatt-kosher in the past."

"A member of the Chief Rabbinical Council, Rabbi Simcha Weiss, together with geese experts Professor Ari Z. Zivotofsky and Rabbi Roei Ginon from Chief Rabbinate, visited a slaughterhouse in Hungary last year operating under the EMIH‒Hungarian Jewish Community Association, headed by Chabad Rabbi Shlomo Köves, to closely monitor the process of fattening the birds. "

"Upon his return to Israel, a team was set up in order to develop a program to allow the importation of goose-liver products with a glatt-kosher certification. "

"On Monday, the Rabbinical Council approved the committee’s recommendations."

"Csengele kosher slaughterhouse in Hungary has become the first (and for now, the only) to receive glatt-kosher certification for goose liver."

"Importers of foie gras will now have to meet a number of new requirements in order for goose liver to be certified with as a glatt-kosher stamp, according to a document detailing the requirements developed by the Chief Rabbinical Council."

"Among other things, it is required that the breeding and fattening farms be located within the same site."

"The document also stipulates that food for the geese should minimize the chances of esophageal injury to the birds. For example, corn kernels should be prepared in such a way so that they would not retain any coarse and sharp edges, or contain any whole grains in the mix. It was also mandated that feeding should be executed through a silicone tube without any sharp points."

"The new regulations also call for supervisors to be made available to carry out inspections at the site of fattening and to closely monitor this process. In addition, slaughterhouses will have to be checked routinely by a mashgiach, a professional kashrut inspector."

"Israel banned the local production of foie gras in 2003, and finally enforced that ban in 2006."

"The Orthodox Union (OU) decided to stop certifying foie gras production in 2019, after the last local kosher producer shut down."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1053

Include kosher and halal food in emergency coronavirus food programs, senators tell Agriculture Department

July 9, 2020 from the FDA

"Two U.S. senators want to know if kosher and halal food is being included in the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to help alleviate food insecurity during the coronavirus crisis."

"The senators, Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who represent large Jewish and Muslim populations, sent a letter Thursday to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking for details concerning the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. In April, the Department of Agriculture announced that under the program, the USDA would be purchasing up to $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products to be distributed to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits."

"In the letter, Gillibrand and Stabenow asked Perdue to describe what the Department of Agriculture has done 'to ensure that kosher and halal food are being included in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, and what steps USDA has taken to receive feedback from Jewish and Muslim communities to ensure their religious dietary needs are met by the program.'"

"The first round of purchases for 32.4 million in food boxes ended on June 30 and totaled $1.2 billion, according to the USDA. A second round of purchases for 695,000 food boxes is set to end on Aug. 31."

"'Americans of all backgrounds and faiths are experiencing increased hunger during this pandemic, and many programs have been put forth to alleviate some of these issues,” the letter said. “However, many in the Jewish and Muslim community only eat kosher or halal food, and have not been able to benefit from these programs if they do not provide these options.'"

"According to Gillibrand’s office, across New York City, Westchester County and Long Island, about 222,000 Jewish households keep kosher. An estimated 51,700 poor and near poor Orthodox households and 144,400 other poor and near poor Jewish households would benefit from the inclusion of kosher options in the Farmers to Families Food Box program."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/News/?alert=W1051
Older news

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