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Israeli Elite Chocolate Brand To Make Comeback To Shelves After Salmonella Scandal

September 19, 2022 - from the i24:

"Israel’s largest chocolate manufacturer, Strauss Group, announced on Monday that its plant in northern Israel resumed operations five months after traces of salmonella were found there, triggering the largest-ever recall in the country’s history, Ynet reports.

"The company said that its plant in Nof HaGalil is already back manufacturing its Parra chocolate bars and Mekupelet candy bar, and will gradually reintroduce more products of its Elite chocolate brand under the supervision of the Health Ministry."

Israeli factory to resume production after salmonella outbreak

August 28, 2022 - from the i24:

"Israel’s Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the Strauss Group Elite factory was authorized to gradually resume its activities after a salmonella outbreak.

The decision was made after a health and technological audit had been carried out. The ministry said audits would continue until the factory is cleared to fully resume operations."

Strauss feels the impact of Salmonella related to chocolate recall and site shutdown

August 19, 2022 - from the Food Safety News:

"Strauss Group’s profit has been heavily dented by a chocolate recall because of Salmonella and the related closure of a production plant in Israel.

"The company showed growth in some areas but this was offset by a decline in sales in the confectionery division and the Sabra hummus business, both of which operated on a partial scale in the half-year. The firm also reported a decline in operating profit.

"The company is preparing to gradually resume operations at the confectionery production site in Nof Hagalil, Israel. It has performed cleaning and invested in infrastructure to ensure improved quality and food safety standards.

"Permission for a restart is still pending from the Israeli Ministry of Health. The agency suspended the plant’s approval for three months after an inspection in April. Investigators were trying to clarify whether 21 patients of various ages were linked to the contamination.

"From 300 samples, about 30 positives were found. Salmonella was detected on a production line and in the liquid chocolate used to make finished products."