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.
November 4, 2026 from the Medical Press:
"Replacing dairy products, even partially, with unfortified plant-based alternatives may lead to a deficiency in vital nutrients, a new study from the University of Surrey reports. Mandatory fortification of plant-based alternatives and other foods, including bread, could lessen the risk of deficiencies, particularly iodine deficiency.
"In the first study of its kind in the United Kingdom, researchers from Surrey, in collaboration with colleagues from Queen's University Belfast, investigated the impact of replacing milk, yogurt and cheese with commercially available plant-based alternatives on an individual's micronutrient intake. This study was published in Lancet Planetary Health.
"The team used data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey from over 3,500 individuals aged between 18 months and 100 years old. They then used a novel modeling technique to assess the impact of replacing dairy products with plant-based alternatives on four essential micronutrients found in dairy products—iodine, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B12.
"Researchers found that even modest replacements of dairy intake with plant-based dairy alternatives led to marked declines in all four micronutrients, with iodine in particular being the most sensitive to replacements. For example, replacing just 20% to 35% of dairy products with plant-based dietary alternatives, under current market fortification levels, increased iodine inadequacy among adolescent females from 54% to 65% and from 32% to 42% in women aged 19–49 years old. At full replacement, the prevalence of iodine inadequacy rose to 80% in adolescent females and 72% in adolescent males.
"Researchers also examined the impact of mandatory fortification of plant-based dairy alternatives with micronutrients as a potential way to prevent deficiencies. It was found that such fortification prevented declines in micronutrient intake when dairy products were replaced, although levels of iodine remained inadequate in 59% of adolescent females. However, iodine-fortified bread was found to improve iodine intake, reducing inadequacy in adolescent females to 37%."
October 28, 2026 from the Simplyresipes.com:
"In the long history of companies making changes that no one asked for, we have New Coke of the 1980s, Google implementing the un-turnoffable Gemini, and now Bisquick.
"As of mid-2026, without fanfare, Bisquick rolled out a new formula of its beloved baking mix. I only realized it while browsing at the store when I noticed a small banner on the box proclaiming, “Made with REAL buttermilk!” And under that, in smaller print, “Now contains milk ingredients.”
"Also, the buttermilk is way down on the ingredients list, so there’s not much to speak of. Nevertheless, if you use the new Bisquick in favorite recipes, you may notice they’re not turning out the same."
"Adhoc faux Bisquick: measure 3/4 cup of flour and adding 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt, plus a little drizzle of olive oil. "
November 8, 2026 from the Matzav.cm:
"A troubling kashrus incident has emerged from last week’s Omer Adam concerts at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, where numerous Orthodox Jewish attendees reportedly purchased food from a Miznon concession stand without realizing that the location was not kosher certified.
"The confusion arose because Miznon operates a popular kosher restaurant in Manhattan’s Times Square, leading some concertgoers to assume that the chain’s Barclays Center location maintained the same kashrus standards.
"However, the Miznon stand at Barclays Center, situated on the arena’s main concourse near Section 22, has no kosher certification, despite sharing its name and branding with the kosher establishment in Times Square.
"The issue came to light following performances by Israeli singer Omer Adam on Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 3, which attracted large crowds of Jewish attendees, including many Orthodox families.
"Frum attendees observed substantial lines at the Miznon concession stand, with numerous visibly Orthodox Jews purchasing food. When a concertgoer was asked about the kashrus of the establishment, she explained that she regularly ate at a Miznon restaurant near her home in Manhattan and had assumed that the Barclays Center location was kosher as well.
"The incident has raised concerns that other customers may have made the same assumption and unknowingly consumed food from a restaurant operating without kosher supervision.
"Although sources describe numerous Orthodox customers purchasing food, the precise number who actually ate it without realizing the establishment was not certified has not been independently established.
"Miznon, an Israeli restaurant chain known for its pita sandwiches and other Mediterranean dishes, operates numerous locations internationally. However, kosher certification is not uniform across the chain.
"In New York City, the Miznon restaurant at 1410 Broadway in Times Square is the only location operating under kosher certification. That establishment has been certified since January 2024 and is under the supervision of Rabbi Aaron D. Mehlman of National Kosher Supervision. It maintains glatt kosher and pas Yisroel standards, with a mashgiach temidi on the premises.
"Other Miznon establishments in Manhattan, including those at Chelsea Market, The Hugh, Hudson Yards, and Rockefeller Center, are not kosher certified.
"The Barclays Center concession stand opened earlier this year as Miznon’s first location inside a major sports and entertainment arena. Its presence at a venue hosting a major Israeli performer appears to have contributed to the confusion among attendees who recognized the restaurant’s name.
"The matter has also reportedly been brought to the attention of the rabbi responsible for supervising Miznon’s kosher Times Square restaurant.
"The incident has prompted calls for clearer labeling at restaurant chains that operate both kosher and non-kosher branches, particularly when the establishments share identical branding.
"Those raising concerns have suggested that prominent notices identifying locations without kosher certification could help prevent customers from mistakenly relying on the supervision of another branch.
"There is a kosher dining option inside Barclays Center. Smash House operates a dedicated kosher kitchen in the arena’s 100-level section under Tartikov supervision, offering burgers and other food during sporting events and concerts.
"The Miznon chain also has a kosher-certified establishment at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey, operating under OU supervision. That certification, like the supervision of the Times Square restaurant, applies specifically to the individual location.
"The episode serves as a reminder that a restaurant’s familiar name, Israeli ownership, or kosher certification at another branch does not establish the kashrus status of a particular establishment. Consumers must verify the certification of the location where they are purchasing food."
Ed. note: Check the kosher status of a restaurant before ordering.
November 4, 2026 from the Montreal Gazette:
"The owner of a Montreal bakery targeted by two arson attempts in less than 48 hours says she fears the attacks were motivated by antisemitism after a second fire left her family business destroyed.
"Montreal police assigned their hate crimes unit to investigate the incidents at Mimimelon on St-Louis St., citing the bakery’s ties to the Jewish community.
"The latest fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, leaving what owner Jennie Volfson described as a total loss. No injuries were reported.
"The first incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. Monday, when Volfson received an alert from her security company about someone tampering with a rear door.
"She said surveillance footage showed a person attempting to enter the bakery before throwing liquid against the building’s exterior, setting it on fire and fleeing.
"Firefighters responded quickly, preventing the flames from spreading inside. Volfson said she provided the footage to police.
"Police spokesperson Raphaël Bergeron said there were indications that the fire had been deliberately set and described damage to the building as “considerable.” Investigators will examine local surveillance cameras in an effort to determine the circumstances leading up to the fire.
"She said an unidentified person had opened the bakery’s door in mid-September and shouted, “All the Jews will burn,” before leaving. The person’s face was covered and the encounter was not captured on surveillance footage, she added.
"Volfson bought Mimimelon in January 2015 and runs the family business with her husband and father-in-law.
"The kosher bakery specializes in peanut-free, tree-nut-free and dairy-free products, serving customers with food allergies as well as Montreal’s Jewish community."
November 5, 2026 from the CPSC :
Fire Blaze Lighters violate the mandatory standard for multipurpose lighters because they do not have the required child-resistant mechanisms, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards. In addition, the lighters failed to meet the pre-market lighter submission requirement needed to demonstrate that the lighters feature child-resistant mechanisms and ensuring their safety and compliance with U.S. regulations.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using Fire Blaze lighters. The lighters violate the mandatory standard for multipurpose lighters because they do not have the required child-resistant mechanisms, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards.
This warning involves Fire Blaze lighters. The lighters come in grey with wood pattern handle, gold with wood pattern handle, and black (grey with carbon fiber pattern handle). The lighters do not have any labeling.
November 5, 2026 from the CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:
SuperFast Sterilizer Dryers have been recalled because the recalled sterilizer dryers can overheat when plugged in and operating, posing a risk of injury from a burn hazard if the surface is handled.
Consumer Contact: Baby Brezza Enterprises toll-free at 888-527-9824 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at recall@babybrezza.com or online at https://babybrezza.com/pages/about?view=v3-recalls and www.babybrezza.com and click "Product Safety Recall" at the bottom of the page for more information.
This recall involves the SuperFast Sterilizer Dryer, a countertop appliance that uses a push-button control to sterilize and dry baby bottles, breast pump parts and accessories in ten minutes. The recalled units have model numbers BRZ0083, BRZ0154 and BRZ0156. The model number is printed on the product label located on the bottom of the unit.
Consumers should stop using the recalled sterilizer dryers immediately and contact Baby Brezza Enterprises for a free replacement sterilizer dryer, including shipping at no cost to the consumer. Consumers will be asked to register at https://babybrezza.com/pages/about?view=v3-recalls, complete the recall form, unplug the product, cut the power cord to destroy the sterilizer dryer and upload photos. Send photos of the model number on the label of the dryer the destroyed appliance and the return authorization number to recall@babybrezza.com. After uploading the photos, consumers should dispose of the recalled sterilizer dryers in accordance with local and state ordinances.
Sold At: TJ Maxx and Marshall’s storesnationwide and online at babybrezza.com, target.com and babylist.com from January 2024 through October 2026 for between $160 and $180.
November 5, 2026 from the CPSC :
Gourmia Stainless Steel Digital 9 Slice Digital Air Fryer Ovens have been recalled because the oven’s doors can unexpectedly close when bumped, posing a burn hazard to consumers retrieving hot food.
Consumer Contact: Gourmia toll free at 888-834-0092 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5p.m. or online at http://www.gourmia.com/recall.asp or Gourmia.com and click on the “Recall Information” link at the top of the page for more information.
This recall involves Gourmia 9-SliceDigitalAir Fryer Ovens with model number GTF7530, and UPC Code 810002862779. The recalled ovens are stainless steel and have two spring-loaded glass front French doors with metal handles. The Ovens can be identified with model and UPC codes on packaging. The Model number GTF7530 and codes 3021 to 0126 can also be found on a label on back of the unit.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled Ovens immediately and contact Gourmia for a free repair kit by mail. The repair kit will include an added doorstop and instr
Sold At: Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com from October 2021 through June 2026 for about $150.
November 3, 2026: from the World Israel News:
"European sanctions targeting Israeli businesses in Judea and Samaria risk worsening the economic conditions driving Palestinians to seek a future elsewhere, including in Europe itself, experts warned The Press Service of Israel.
"Sanctions, such as those recently spearheaded by Britain, may undermine businesses and fuel Palestinian emigration to Europe, they said.
"For Palestinians employed by Israeli businesses, the consequences of boycotts and sanctions can be immediate.
"Workers in Israeli industrial zones in Judea and Samaria often earn nearly twice as much as their counterparts working for Palestinian employers.
"Closing or relocating these businesses can deprive thousands of Palestinians of relatively well-paid jobs, pushing them into unemployment or forcing them to accept substantially lower wages.
"The economic pressures come amid a broader phenomenon of Palestinian emigration.
"Surveys have repeatedly found that significant numbers of Palestinians, particularly young people, would leave if given the opportunity.
"Economic hardship, insecurity, and pessimism about the future are among the principal reasons.
"The result is a growing contradiction: European governments that say they want to improve Palestinian living conditions may be supporting policies that make remaining in Palestinian communities increasingly difficult.
"Palestinian workers could face two distinct risks: reduced European orders could lead affected businesses in Judea and Samaria to cut jobs, potentially affecting some of the 17,600 Palestinians employed there, while any Israeli decision to revoke work permits in response to the restrictions could also affect Palestinians employed inside the Green Line."
October 30, 2026: from the USDA:
" U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced that 8 additional meat and poultry companies have adopted USDA’s voluntary Product of USA (POTUSA) label, building on the strong momentum behind the Trump Administration’s efforts to help consumers easily identify products that are truly born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. With today’s announcement, more than 30 companies have committed to the label since USDA launched its nationwide campaign earlier this year.
"As more processors adopt the Product of USA label, American families heading to the grocery store or local supplier this holiday season can shop with greater confidence that when they purchase products bearing the claim, they are directly supporting American farmers, ranchers, processors, and rural communities. The following kosher meat companies have adopted USDA’s Product of USA label:
November 2, 2021: from the i24 news:
"Israel’s National Cyber Directorate on Monday issued an urgent warning to supermarket chains, food companies and logistics centers, calling on them to immediately secure their refrigeration and freezer systems against potential cyberattacks.
"The warning comes following a sudden wave of cyberattacks across Europe, during which hackers reportedly gained remote access to supermarket temperature-control systems, manipulated cooling settings and activated defrost cycles, causing large quantities of food to spoil.
"The attacks reportedly resulted in significant financial losses and operational disruptions, with some incidents also causing damage to equipment and fires.
"In response, Israel’s National Cyber Directorate has urged companies to take immediate precautions to protect their refrigeration infrastructure from similar attacks.
"The directorate recommended ensuring that control systems are not directly connected to the internet, replacing default passwords and updating outdated systems to address potential security vulnerabilities.
"Companies were also advised to secure remote access using multi-factor authentication and install independent alert systems capable of detecting unusual temperature changes.
"Additionally, the directorate has asked companies to report the results of their security checks, as well as any suspicious activity, to Israel’s National Cyber Directorate hotline."
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