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.
September 24, 2026 from eJP:
"The kosher confection appears to be the latest victim of private-equity firms acquiring classic candy brands and then shaping them for the mass market.
"After more than a half-century of sweetening Jewish events, the kosher staple Sunkist Fruit Gems has been discontinued as of May, eJewishPhilanthropy has learned.
"The neon-colored candy is ubiquitous with Jewish celebrations; nearly every bar and bat mitzvah and aufruf in America features the celebrants getting showered in the candy. The omnipresent gems line tables at nonprofit galas, propel candy drives and fill Purim-fundraiser mishloach manot.
"The discontinuation is part of a trend in the candy world, Prince said, where private-equity firms acquire classic brands and market them for the masses — in the process often rendering them non-kosher. This same trend has caused other historically kosher candies to lose their hechsher."
September 24, 2026 from the in conjunction with Government of Canada:
This recall involves Galanz Retro refrigerators that are red and measure about 147 cm (58 inches) high, 61 cm (24 inches) deep and 53 cm (21 inches) wide. The 7.6 cu. ft. capacity refrigerators have doors with handles on the left side (please refer to the images above for the handle variations featured on the affected product model), three adjustable glass shelves, one drawer and one glass shelf. The top of the freezer has a separate door, and “Galanz” printed on the front.
Only refrigerators with date codes ranging from December 2018 through December 2020 and with the model number GLR76TRDER, are included in this recall. There are two affected sub-models corresponding to this customer model: BCD-215VF-C-62H, and BCD-215VF-D-62H.
The relevant UPC codes are 686136919715 and 190873001171. The model number and the date code, in MMYYYY format are printed on a white label on the back of the Galanz Retro Refrigerator.
The recalled Galanz Retro refrigerators’ internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite, posing a risk of a fire and burn hazards.
For more information, consumers can contact Galanz by telephone at 888-462-0579, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday or by email at customerservice@galanzamericas.com.
July 30, 2026 from the CPSC :
Galanz Retro Refrigerators have been recalled because the recalled refrigerators’ internal electrical components can short circuit and ignite, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire and burn hazards.
Consumer Contact: Galanz Americas at 888-462-0579 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, email at customerservice@galanzamericas.com, or online at GalanzRetroFridgeRecall.expertinquiry.com or www.galanz.com/us/ and click on “PRODUCT RECALLS” at the top of the page for more information.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Galanz Americas Limited Company (Galanz Americas) are announcing the recall of Galanz Retro Refrigerators, manufactured by Zhongshan Galanz, of China, and imported by Home Depot and Galanz Americas.
CPSC is aware of 34 reports of fire involving the refrigerators, one of which resulted in a fatality according to the local fire department report.
About 121,680 refrigerators were sold at Home Depot stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com for between $330 and $520.
The Galanz retro-style refrigerators were sold in black, blue, red and white, and measure about 58 inches high, 24 inches deep and 21 inches wide. The 7.6 cu. ft. capacity refrigerators have either left-hand opening or right-hand opening doors with handles, three adjustable glass shelves and one drawer. The top freezer has a separate door, one drawer and “Galanz” printed on front. Only refrigerators with date codes ranging from December 2018 through December 2020 and with one of the following model numbers are included in this recall: BCD-215V-62H, GLR76TRDER, GLR76TBKER, GLR76TBEER or GLR76TWEER. “Galanz,” the model number and the date code, in YYYYMM format, are printed on a white label on the upper left-hand corner on the back of the unit.
Remedy: Consumers should unplug and stop using the recalled refrigerators immediately until repaired and contact Galanz to schedule free in-home repair by a qualified technician.
September 23, 2026 from WattPoultry:
"Agri Star Meat & Poultry has successfully rehired approximately 400 of its 600 workers and resumed limited production after a July 28 fire destroyed about 75 percent of its Postville, Iowa facility. The company, which produces roughly 10 percent of the U.S. kosher beef supply and 730,000 pounds of ready-to-cook kosher chicken weekly, accomplished the recovery in just weeks according to local officials.
September 9, 2026 - from Matzav.com
"As in past years, Agudath Israel of America’s Washington Office has worked closely with agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help avoid potential problems for travelers carrying arba minim.
"Both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have notified their respective field personnel about the upcoming Sukkos holiday and the increased level of travel by persons of the Jewish faith, many of whom will be carrying arba minim. The agencies have also made this information available to the public – the TSA notice here and the CBP notice here.
"
"The notifications, which have been sent out to federal officials at airports and border crossings, emphasize the religious significance of these items and outline the rules and procedures that would help allay possible security and health issues that are of concern to the federal government. Prior to these agency steps, lack of familiarity regarding Sukkos and the arba minim had led to numerous incidents each year of inadvertent mishandling and mistreatment — including denial of entry — of these ritual objects.
The TSA Notice makes clear that the arba minim carried in airports, through security checkpoints or on aircraft, are not on the “prohibited items list” and provides instructions for travelers needing “special accommodations” in regard to checkpoint screening. The CBP Guidance sets forth detailed information regarding the inspection process for personal sets of arba minim brought into the United States from foreign countries at select ports of entry and points out that the agency is 'committed to treating all travelers, including travelers who may be observing Sukkot, with respect and dignity at all U.S. ports of entry.'
"Agudath Israel of America once again produced a one-page handout that travelers can print out – or save to their phones – to familiarize themselves with the rules before traveling.
"For travelers entering Israel: You will be allowed to bring in one esrog for personal use. The other 3 minim are not allowed and will be confiscated and replaced with Israeli grown produce. See guidelines from Agriculture Ministry here."
September 22, 2026 - from Matzav.com
"Israel’s Agriculture Ministry is warning travelers arriving from overseas ahead of Sukkos not to bring daled minim into the country without the required authorization, saying foreign plant material could introduce pests and diseases capable of causing serious damage to Israeli agriculture.
"The warning comes as travelers arrive in Eretz Yisroel for Yom Tov, with some bringing their own lulavim, hadassim, aravos and esrogim from abroad.
"Under Israel’s Plant Protection Law, plant products generally cannot be brought into the country without approval from the Agriculture Ministry’s Plant Protection and Inspection Services.
"There is one significant exception for travelers bringing daled minim for personal use: a single esrog may be brought into Israel without special authorization. A lulav, hadassim and aravos, however, require approval. Those brought into the country without the necessary authorization may be confiscated by inspectors.
"Agriculture officials explained that insects, pests and plant diseases can be carried on branches, leaves and other plant material without being readily visible. Once introduced into Israel, such pests could potentially spread to agricultural crops, trees and other vegetation."
September 15, 2026: from the VinNews
"As Yom Kippur approaches, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has issued halachic guidelines regarding the traditional Kapparot ritual, warning against conducting the practice with chickens when it involves animal cruelty.
"In a halachic ruling, Rabbi Yosef stressed that Kapparot is an ancient Jewish custom practiced by communities for generations. But he said the custom should not be performed in a manner that violates Jewish law.
"He warned about conditions that can occur at large Kapparot sites, where chickens may be held for extended periods without adequate shade, food or water. He also raised concerns about slaughter taking place without proper religious and veterinary oversight.
"When Kapparot with chickens cannot be carried out without causing animal suffering and while meeting proper halachic standards, Rabbi Yosef said the custom should instead be performed with money, which is then given to charity.
"Rabbi Yosef noted that his father, the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, followed this practice in his later years, performing Kapparot with money and saying, 'This money will go to charity.'
"Regarding the amount, Rabbi Yosef said each person should give according to their means. Those seeking to enhance the observance may give an amount equivalent to the cost of a chicken, which he put at 35 shekels per person."
September 14, 2026 from Jerusalem Post:
"Six Israeli local authorities have said they will not permit the use of live chickens for the traditional kapparot ceremony ahead of Yom Kippur, following an appeal by animal rights organization Let the Animals Live to dozens of municipal leaders across the country.
"Tel Mond, Yeruham, Mevaseret Zion, and Yavne joined the initiative this year, while Kiryat Bialik and Rishon Lezion, which responded to the organization's appeal last year, renewed their commitments.
"They join Kfar Saba, Ra'anana, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Beersheba, Ashkelon, Ramle, and Petah Tikva, which the organization said have prohibited the practice within their jurisdictions for several years.
"The campaign marks the second consecutive year Let the Animals Live has approached heads of local authorities about the practice.
"According to the organization, Veterinary Services procedures governing kapparot allow a local authority to prohibit ceremonies using live chickens within its jurisdiction. In any case, organizers must obtain authorization from the municipality's veterinary department, whether or not slaughter takes place at the site.
"According to the organization, Veterinary Services procedures governing kapparot allow a local authority to prohibit ceremonies using live chickens within its jurisdiction. In any case, organizers must obtain authorization from the municipality's veterinary department, whether or not slaughter takes place at the site."
September 10, 2026 from the CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:
AGA Elise and Mercury Series Freestanding Dual Fuel Ranges and La Cornue CornuFé 90 and CornuFé 110 Series Freestanding Dual Fuel Ranges
Hazard: Dual Fuel Ranges with a missing cap from the gas test port can cause a gas leak, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire or explosion hazards.
Consumer Contact: AGA Rangemaster recall line toll-free at 888-257-7912 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, online at www.agarangeusa/testcap-recall or www.lacornueusa/testcap-recall and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.
Description: This recall involves freestanding AGA Elise and Mercury Series Dual Fuel Ranges, in 36- and 48-inch widths and freestanding La Cornue CornuFé Series Dual Fuel Ranges in 36- and 43-inch widths manufactured between March 19, 2025 and July 24, 2026. All units have gas surface burners, set for Natural or LP gas, with one to three electric ovens depending on size. The products are sold in stainless steel, white and 13 other colors, which can be found at www.agarangeusa.com and www.lacornueusa.com. All colors, trim options and gas types (Natural or LP) are included. The serial number is on the rating plate, which is located on the bottom panel of the unit under the storage drawer.
| Model | Production Date Range |
| AEL361DF | 3/19/25 to 7/24/26 |
| AEL481DF | 3/19/25 to 7/24/26 |
| AMC36DF | 3/19/25 to 7/24/26 |
| AMC48DF | 3/19/25 to 7/24/26 |
| LAC9 | 3/19/25 to 7/24/26 |
| LAC1 | 3/19/25 to 7/24/26 |
Remedy: Consumers should shut off the gas supply to avoid the risk of gas leak immediately and contact AGA Rangemaster. Consumers should promptly determine if their range is subject to recall by locating the model/serial number on the rating plate (on the bottom panel under the storage drawer) and visiting the Recall webpage at www.lacornueusa.com/testcap-recall or www.agarangeusa.com/testcap-recall. If subject to the recall, consumers should contact AGA Rangemaster for a free inspection and repair by a certified technician. Consumers can continue to use only the electric oven sections of the range. The gas surface burners cannot be used.
Sold At: Authorized appliance dealers nationwide from March 2025 through July 2026 for about $6,000 to $20,000.
September 8, 2026 from YNet
"New rules will require iodine in household table salt within about two years after surveys found widespread deficiency among children and pregnant women; coarse and specialty salts will be excluded, and officials say regulated salt prices will not rise.
"Israel plans to require iodine to be added to household table salt in an effort to address widespread iodine deficiency. The requirement will take effect once binding Health Ministry regulations are introduced, which is expected within about two years. It will apply only to ordinary table salt for household use, while coarse salt and specialty varieties will be excluded.
"Table salt accounts for roughly 85% to 90% of household salt purchases in Israel, despite the availability of varieties including Himalayan and Maldon salt.
"According to the Health Ministry, salt will be fortified with 25 to 45 milligrams of iodine per kg. “This amount is expected to add about 0.045 milligrams of iodine to daily intake, representing 30% of the NRV,” the ministry said, referring to the nutrient reference value used on food labels.
"Officials described the planned dosage as conservative and said it could be adjusted as the population is monitored. The regulations were developed following consultations with experts and a review of international data, according to the ministry.
"Iodized salt is already sold in Israel, though it generally costs more than ordinary salt. A 250-gram plastic container of iodized salt sold by Salt of the Earth costs between 5.90 and 10.90 shekels, while a container of the same size with non-iodized salt sells for between 5.90 and 8.90 shekels.
September 9, 2026 from Israel National News
"Police say new evidence reveals how the supermarket products were allegedly tampered with - but one major question remains unanswered.
"Police have footage documenting the acts, but Shamla's motive remains unclear.
"A prosecutor's statement is expected to be filed Wednesday at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, with an indictment expected in the coming days.
"Shamala, a resident of southern Israel in his 40s, was named last week as the suspect accused of introducing dangerous substances into Prinok-brand fruit purées intended for babies.
"During a hearing on extending Shamala's detention, a police representative said that Shamala deliberately introduced the sedatives into the fruit purées in order to poison babies. Police attribute to him offenses including the use of poison while endangering human life and negligent handling of medications.
'His attorney told the court that the suspect suffers from bipolar disorder. As a result, the suspect was referred for a psychiatric evaluation, which determined that he is fit to remain in detention."
"
June 17, 2026 from Yeshiva World:
"Days after four toddlers were rushed to the emergency room at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center suffering from drowsiness and weakness, and traces of sedatives were found in their blood, Israel’s Health Ministry announced Wednesday that laboratory tests confirmed the presence of sedative substances in the baby food the toddlers had consumed before falling ill.
"Testing found the pharmaceutical substances Clonazepam (sold under the brand name Klonopin) and Lorazepam (sold under the brand name Lorivan) in jars of Prinok fruit puree for babies that were sold at two branches of the Zol U’Begadol supermarket chain on Rechov Yaffo in Jerusalem. Both medications are sedatives from the benzodiazepine family and are intended for adult use.
"In the wake of the findings, the Health Ministry issued immediate closure orders for the two stores where the products were purchased: the “Machane” branch at Rechov Yaffo 113 and the branch at Rechov Yaffo 214 in Jerusalem. Police have also opened an investigation into the incident, and according to a Channel 12 report, the Shin Bet is also involved in the investigation.
"The Ministry has warned consumers not to use products purchased from the two Zol B’Gadol stores on Rechov Yaffo. It also advised against consuming products that were not sold in their original packaging, products with unusual color, appearance, or smell, or products whose vacuum-seal mechanism is not functioning properly.
"At this stage, the Health Ministry has not ordered a nationwide recall of all Prinok baby food products, stating that no indication was found of a manufacturing defect, production failure, or contamination at the production facility. All tests conducted on products obtained from the importers were found to be normal. Investigators are therefore examining the possibility that the substances were introduced into the products at a later stage.
"All four children who were hospitalized—two pairs of siblings, ages one and three—were discharged from Hadassah Ein Kerem the day after admission and are reported to be in good condition."
September 3, 2026 from the CPSC :
Scented Mistolin® Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil® Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hazard: The recalled products may contain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is an environmental organism found widely in soil and water. People with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment. The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes, or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria.
Consumer Contact: Clorox Puerto Rico toll-free at 855-215-5439 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, email at Mistolinrecall@sedgwick.com or online at www.mistolinrecall.com or https://puerto-rico.mistolin.co/ and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.
Description: This recall only includes Mistolin and Lestoil products sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The recall involves scented Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners in Alegra tu Día, Espíritu Play, Flores de Primavera, Fresco Despertar, Frescura de Lavanda, Frescura Tropical, Manzana y Canela, Pino y Especias and Sólo para Ti scents and scented Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners in Energía del Yunque, Fuerza de Lavanda Tropical, Intenso Limon Boricua and Olas de Rincón scents, with date codes beginning with the prefix “PR01” and followed by a five-digit number between 25091 and 26168, which represents products produced between April 1, 2025 to June 17, 2026. Only products with scents are included in this recall. The products were sold in bottles of 28, 40, 64 and 128 fluid ounces.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled cleaners immediately. Consumers will be asked to register at https://mistolinrecall.expertinquiry.com/ and submit a picture of the 12-digit UPC code printed on the label and a picture of the date code printed on the side of the bottle and dispose of the product in its container with household trash. Consumers registering bottles in the affected scents with date codes printed on the bottle beginning with PR01 and followed by a five-digit number between 25091 and 26168 will receive a full refund of the purchase price, with receipt or of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, without receipt.
Sold At: Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Supermercados Econo, Supermercados Selecto, and other major retailers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for between $1.40 and $8.
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