K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following health alert is from the FDA on March 1, 2007.

Salmonella found in the ConAgra Plant: As a follow-up to the recent Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an extensive inspection of ConAgra's Sylvester, Georgia processing plant. Samples collected by the FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella. The fact that FDA found Salmonella in the plant environment further suggests that the contamination likely took place prior to the product reaching consumers. Last week, tests by several states identified Salmonella in many open jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter recovered from consumers. In these instances, the Salmonella found in the plant and in the open jars matched the outbreak strain recovered from consumers who became ill.
Peanut Butter Toppings Part of Recall: FDA has learned that the ConAgra plant in Sylvester, GA, sent bulk Peter Pan peanut butter to its plant in Humboldt, TN. The three brands described below are part of the original Peter Pan recall. These brands have been recalled and are no longer being sold. However, some consumers may still have these products in their home. Consumers who have any of the products listed below should discard them. Individuals who are not sure if the purchased product contains the recalled peanut butter topping should contact the store where the product was purchased.
The bulk peanut butter was used to make the following toppings:

• Sonic Brand Ready-To-Use Peanut Butter Topping in 6 lb. 10.5 oz cans. Sonic outlets used the topping until 2/16/07, when the product was recalled.
  The topping was used in the following Sonic products:
  • Peanut Butter Shake
  • Peanut Butter Fudge Shake
  • Peanut Butter Sundae
  • Peanut Butter Fudge Sundae
• Carvel Peanut Butter Topping in 6 lb. 10 oz. cans. Carvel used the topping until 2/16/07, when the product was recalled.
  The topping was used in the following Carvel ice cream products:
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Peanut Butter Treasure
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sundae Dasher
  • Any other customized products containing the Peanut Butter Topping, including peanut butter flavored ice cream in ice cream cakes
• J. Hungerford Smith Peanut Butter Dessert Topping in 6 lb. 10 oz. cans: This topping may be used by retail and restaurant outlets throughout the United States but is not available for direct purchase by the public.

Recall Status and More Information: ConAgra informed the public that it is recalling all Peter Pan peanut butter and all Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111. The company's recall extends to products made since December 2005. FDA's advice to consumers continues to be not to eat any Peter Pan peanut butter or any Great Value peanut butter beginning with the 2111 product code.

The following kashrus alert is from the Chicago Rabbinical Council on Febuary 1, 2007.

Effective immediately, Solstice Industries and Nectar Transport, both of Chicago, IL, have ceased operations, and as such, are no longer under the certification of the cRc.

The following kashrus alert is from the OK on January 24, 2007.

Please be advised that, effective IMMEDIATEY, OK Kosher NO LONGER certifies ALMIL AG, Bad Homburg, Germany.

The following kashrus alert is from the OU on January 7, 2007.

Idahoan Instamash Mashed Potatoes (Foodservice item distributed in Canada), Idahoan Foods, Inc. - Lewisville, ID: This certified product (which bears an incorrect OU-D Pareve designation) contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel. Future packaging will be revised.

The following kashrus alert is from the OU on November 10, 2006.

Bay Valley Foods Balsamic Slices 64 oz, Bay Valley Foods, LLC, Green Bay, WI: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol. Future packaging will be revised. Corrective action is being taken.