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.
August 27, 2024 from Washington Post:
"Scientists at the University of California at Davis tested avocado oil samples, and have for the first time revealed the names of a dozen retailers who they say sold products labeled as avocado oil that contained cheap seed and vegetable oils, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger and Safeway. The companies didn’t respond to requests for comment.
"The researchers found that at least 21 of the products labeled as avocado oil — nearly two-thirds of the 36 bottles they tested— were adulterated, in some cases with other oils that could pose a hazard to people with food sensitivities. The newly released findings are based on tests conducted in 2021 on bottles of store-brand avocado oil purchased from 19 large grocery stores in the United States and Canada.
"Other retailers whose products failed testing said they couldn’t verify findings based on bottles of oil tested in 2020 or 2021. Some retailers confirmed they don’t do their own testing and instead rely on suppliers and third-party services to verify the purity of the oil.
"The UC-Davis research suggested that low-priced avocado oils were the most likely to be adulterated. Most major retailers do not produce their own avocado oil, and instead buy it from suppliers, bottle it and put their store labels on it.
"Much of the avocado oil sold by retailers is “refined,” which means it’s a lower-quality, highly-processed oil that is bleached, deodorized and filtered. (Virgin and extra virgin oils are “unrefined” and typically pressed from high-quality avocados without using heat or chemicals.)
"Some suppliers and producers said it’s an open secret that adulteration is rampant in the avocado oil industry. Ben Barnard, the founder and chairman of AvoPacific, one of the largest avocado oil producers in North America, said he has seen competitors selling refined avocado oil to retailers for prices so low that it would not be possible for them to make a profit if their avocado oil was real.
"The company said that most of its oil is sold under its own label, AvoPacific. In 2020, UC-Davis tested an AvoPacific oil sold under the brand name “CalPure Extra Virgin Avocado Oil,” and it passed their tests.
"The tests showed that six retailers — Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Metro, Meijer and Kroger — sold bottles labeled as avocado oil that contained high levels of oleic sunflower or safflower oils. These oils are less expensive than avocado oil and have different health and culinary properties. At Target and Sprouts, the researchers found bottles of store-brand avocado oil that their tests indicated contained canola oil, a less expensive cooking oil.
"In some cases, the tests showed that bottles labeled avocado oil contained other oils that could not be identified. The researchers said they found that sunflower, safflower, canola, and soybean oils were the most common adulterants in products labeled as avocado oil. These oils look similar to refined avocado oil but are cheaper to make.
"Price was not always a reliable indicator of adulteration. One of the most expensive products included in the study was Stop & Shop’s store-brand “extra-virgin” avocado oil, which sells for close to $9 for an 8.45-ounce bottle, or more than a dollar per ounce. The researchers tested two bottles of the product and found that both contained oils that were neither extra virgin nor avocado oil. It was unclear what type of oil or oils were in the bottles.
"Stop & Shop’s cold-pressed “Extra Virgin” avocado oil was the only extra-virgin oil in the study that was found to be adulterated with other oils.
"n general, retailers who responded to questions about the adulterated oils said it’s impossible for them to verify findings based on bottles of oil tested that were made in 2020 or 2021.
"In a statement, Stop & Shop said that the avocado oil included in the UC-Davis study was procured from a former supplier and that it is no longer available in its stores.
"Wang at UC-Davis said retailers should not rely solely on certifications from suppliers for products that are at high risk of being adulterated. 'Retailers should do their own testing to ensure that the label on the bottle is consistent with the product in the bottle,' she said.
"Wang said it was possible in cases where a retailer did its own independent testing that their results might differ from UC-Davis’s test results if different lots were tested or if the retailer used multiple suppliers. “We have observed significant differences in the quality and purity of oil from different lot numbers, even when sourced from the same retailer,” she added."
Source Papers:
August 29, 2024 from the Government of Canada:
Samsung Slide-In Electric Ranges are a Fire hazard
What to do: Consumers using the recalled ranges without knob locks or covers are cautioned to ensure that children and pets are kept away from the knobs, to not leave objects on the range when not in use, and to check that the knobs are off before leaving home or going to sleep. Consumers should contact Samsung Canada to receive a free set
List of recalled products is here.
Issue: Humans and pets can accidentally activate the front-mounted knobs on the ranges, posing a fire hazard.
As of August 28, 2024, the company has received over 57 reports of incidents in Canada, and 7 reports of injuries.
Consumers with Wi-Fi enabled ranges can enable the “Cooktop On” notification on the Samsung SmartThings app to receive alerts on their smartphone when a cooktop burner is turned on. F
or more information, consumers can contact Samsung Canada by telephone at 1-833-775-0120 from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. ET, Monday through Sunday or visit the recall portal on the company website.
August 8, 2024 from CPSC :
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Samsung Electronics America Inc. has announced a voluntary recall for certain slide-in electric range models with front-mounted knobs. The remedy for this recall is free knob locks or covers for specific models sold in the U.S. between 2013 and 2024.
This announcement addresses potential activation of range knobs through accidental contact by people or pets, posing a fire hazard if flammable objects are left on top of the range.
The following slide-in electric range models are included in this announcement:
|
| Affected Models |
|
|
NE58F9500SS/AA |
NE58K9850WS/AA |
NE58R9431ST/AA |
NE63T8111SG/AA | NE63T8511ST/AA |
NE58F9710WS/AA |
NE58K9852WG/AA | NE63A8711QN/AA | NE63T8111SS/AA | NE63T8711SG/AA |
NE58H9950WS/AA |
NE58N9430SG/AA | NE63BB851112AA | NE63T8311SG/AA | NE63T8711SS/AA |
NE58K9430SS/AA |
NE58R9311SS/AA | NE63BB871112AA | NE63T8311SS/AA | NE63T8711ST/AA |
NE58K9500SG/AA |
NE58R9431SG/AA | NE63BG8315SSAA | NE63T8511SG/AA | NE63T8751SG/AA |
NE58K9850WG/AA |
NE58R9431SS/AA | NE63CB831512AA | NE63T8511SS/AA | NE63T8751SS/AA |
Free Knob Locks or Covers: Samsung is providing slide-in electric range customers with a set of free knob locks or covers, depending on their model, to prevent accidental activations from occurring. Customers may continue to use their slide-in electric ranges while awaiting their set of free knob locks or covers.
Samsung also recommends consumers follow these range-safety precautions, regardless of range type or manufacturer:
You can learn how to obtain your free knob locks or covers plus additional information here.
August 21, 2024 from Chabad.org:
"Chabad of West Palm Beach, Fla., has teamed up with Palm Beach County to provide free kosher lunches to seniors.
"The kosher food program is the first of its kind to be offered by the county, which has 13 other free meal sites.
"As many as 50 meals a day are served from November to April in south Florida’s West Palm Beach. Off season, attendance drops somewhat. Jewish participants have welcomed the food and camaraderie offered at the Chabad center.
"The program launched six months ago. Since then, registered seniors, 60 and up, dine every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, except on Jewish holidays.
"The county is reimbursed by the federal government for the meals, but not for the surplus cost of kosher food. When putting together a proposal, Gancz called several kosher caterers and discovered it would be three times more expensive than non-kosher food.
"Gancz is seeking community partners who want to sponsor the extra cost of kosher meals for a week or month. Meanwhile, Chabad budgets for the increased cost."
August 15, 2024 from CPSC :
Ambiano Single Serve Coffee Makers have been recalled because the recalled coffee makers can expel hot water from the top of the machine, posing a burn hazard.
Consumer Contact: ALDI toll-free at 888-770-7124 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.recallrtr.com/aldicoffeemaker or corporate.aldi.us and click on “Newsroom” and then “Product Recalls” for more information.
Description: This recall involves the Ambiano Single Serve Coffee Maker. The coffee maker was sold in gray, blue, pink, and purple colors, and measures approximately L 11", W 4.7" and H 12." Ambiano is printed on the side of the coffee maker. Model numbers and UPC Codes are located on the rating label on the bottom of the unit:
| Product Name | UPC Codes | Model Numbers |
| Ambiano Single Serve Coffee Maker | 4061464174788, 4061464174801, 4061464174849, 4061464174825, 4061464174863 | 708924, 708925 |
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled coffee makers. Consumers may return the unit to an ALDI store for a full cash refund of $49.99, plus applicable sales tax. Alternatively, consumers may receive a $75 ALDI electronic gift card when they visit www.recallrtr.com/aldicoffeemaker, register the recalled coffee maker, and receive instructions on how to cut the unplugged cord, dispose of the product, and upload photos of the coffee maker showing the model number, registration number, and cut cord.
Incidents/Injuries: ALDI has received 25 reports of the recalled coffeemakers expelling hot water from the top of the machine, including three reports of burns.
Sold At: Aldi grocery stores in 38 states and the District of Columbia from July 2023 through September 2023 for about $50.
August 7, 2024 from United With Israel:
"In a shocking display of anti-Semitism, Costa Cruises has exhibited blatant discrimination against Jewish travelers.
"Just days before a planned kosher cruise for 140 Jewish vacationers, Costa Cruises, owned by Carnival Corporation, abruptly canceled the agreement and refused to accommodate any kosher needs on board."
"Yossi Zablocki, a seasoned tour operator, had meticulously arranged every detail for the cruise, including $22,000 worth of kosher products and certified kosher supervisors.
"Despite these preparations, Costa Cruises refused to accommodate any kosher needs on board.
"Zablocki described the refusal for Queens Jewish Link as “outright – and sudden – and without any credible reason,” suggesting that this was not a mere logistical oversight but a clear act of bigotry.
"Further confirming Zablocki’s suspicions, Costa sent a letter two days before the cruise urging Jewish passengers to cancel and later canceled reservations without notice.
"Zablocki’s conclusion was stark: “The absolute, categorical refusal to allow a kosher cruise – or any kosher items – defies any logical explanation.”
"The situation worsened when Costa abruptly ended its business relationship with Zablocki, stating, “We regret to inform you that we will no longer be able to continue our business relationship with your company.”
"This incident is more than a breach of contract; it’s a direct assault on Jewish culture and religious practices.
"Costa Cruises’ actions are a blatant display of anti-Semitism that must not be tolerated.
"A full boycott of Costa Cruises is necessary to demonstrate that such bigotry will not be tolerated."
Ed. note: From Yossi Zablocki:"They cancelled all my kosher cruises even though I had deposits on them for past 10 months."
August 4, 2024 from the FDA Enforcement Report:
Black Forge Knives, Arif Shaheed Road Nizamabad, Nizamabad, Pakistan have been recalled because the products contain elevated levels of lead.
1- Name: Carbon Steel Utility Kitchen Knife Model: CSK1700 Size: Total length: 10.25" Type of packaging: Each knife packed in a single box 2- Name: Carbon Steel Utility Kitchen Cleaver Knife Model: CSK1701 Size: Total length: 10.5" Type of packaging: Each knife packed in a single box 3- Name: Carbon Steel Utility Kitchen Knife Model: 501141 Size: Total length: 9.5" Type of packaging: Each knife packed in a single box 4- Name: Burnt Bone & Carbon Steel Ulu Knife Model: 2432 Size: Total length: 4" Type of packaging: Each knife packed in a single box 5- Name: Rosewood Carbon Steel Ulu Knife Model: 501204 Size: Total length: 4" Type of packaging: Each knife packed in a single box 6- Name: Rosewood Carbon Steel Meat Cleaver Model: 501172 Size: Total length: 10.25" Type of packaging: Each knife packed in a single box Knives sold direct to consumers via Bespoke Post.
Model Numbers: 1- CSK1700 2- CSK1701 3- 501141 4- 2432 5- 501204 6- 501172
August 1, 2024 from the Yeshiva World:
"The IDF’s Home Front Command on Thursday issued a closure order to the Strauss ice cream manufacturing plant in Akko which uses ammonia for its operation.
"Several other factories in the north that use hazardous materials were instructed to empty and dispose of gas reserves to mitigate risk to the public in the event of Hezbollah strikes from Lebanon.
"Ynet reported that the IDF also demanded that Strauss limit the amount of ammonia stored on site as part of emergency regulations for northern Israel. According to the report, ice cream production requires ammonia for cooling production systems and freezers, and ice cream cannot be manufactured without it.
"Strauss workers said an ice cream shortage is not expected if the closure lasts only a few days as it has a sufficient stockpile for the summer.
"The head of the Chatzor HaGlilit Regional Council, Michael Kabesa, urged Home Front Command officers to order the Pri HaGalil food plant to empty its ammonia reserves as well, citing potential risks to residents.
"Beginning on October 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles and drones at Israel, factories near the border, such as in Kiryat Shmona, began minimizing the use of ammonia to mitigate public risk."
July 30, 2024 from the Boston Globe:
Ed. note: I am posting exerpts from the article to point out why all beer is not kosher.
"To answer your first question, yes, beer makers use actual oysters when brewing an oyster stout.
"When posed with the follow-up question of how, Joe Mashburn, head brewer at Night Shift, described the process of brewing Night’s Shift’s new Seamark Oyster Stout in further detail.
"'We first wash the oysters,” says Mashburn. “Then we proceed with brewing a stout as normal, with a lot of chocolate malt to get the color and flavor we’re chasing. Then, during the boil, the washed oysters are added directly to the kettle, where the heat causes them to open and release their brine.'
"The oysters, like all other solids, are removed during the brewing process, before the beer is allowed to ferment. In the case of Night Shift's new release, a portion of the beer was aged in a used bourbon barrel; after some time, the two portions of beer were blended back together."
Ed. note: The Kashrut.com Kosher Alcoholic Beverage Information section has links to kosher alcholic beverage lists and beers here
June 2, 2024 from the CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:
Frigidaire and Electrolux Side-by-Side, Top Freezer and Multi-door refrigerators have been recalled because the ice level detector arm in the ice maker can break into pieces and fall into the ice bucket, posing a choking hazard.
Consumer Contact: Electrolux toll-free at 833-840-5926 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at IceMakerRecall@electrolux.com or online at www.icemakerrecall.com or at www.electrolux.com or www.frigidaire.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.
Description: This recall involves 13 models of Frigidaire refrigerators and one Electrolux model refrigerator. The refrigerators all feature an ice maker and come in stainless steel, white and black. The brand name, model and serial number for each unit is printed on a label located on the right panel in the interior of the refrigerator compartment. The refrigerators range from 23 to 36 inches wide.
The model numbers and their serial number ranges in included in this recall are here
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Frigidaire and Electrolux refrigerator ice makers, empty the ice bucket and contact Electrolux to schedule a technician to replace the ice maker with one that has a polypropylene ice level detector, free of charge.
Sold At: Lowe’s, Home Depot and appliance stores nationwide and online at Frigidaire.com from April 2020 through March 2022 for between $1,200 and $4,300.
February 8, 2024 from the CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:
Frigidaire Branded Side by Side Refrigerators with Slim Ice Buckets:
The recalled refrigerators contain an ice bucket assembly component that can break resulting in plastic pieces entering the ice bucket, posing choking and laceration hazards to consumers if the pieces are dispensed out of the ice bucket.
Consumer Contact: Electrolux Group toll-free at 888-377-7563 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at IceBucketRecall@electrolux.com or online at www.icebucketrecall.com or at www.frigidaire.com and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.
his recall involves certain Frigidaire branded side by side refrigerators with Slim Ice buckets manufactured between 2015 and 2019, with model numbers DGHK2355TF, DGHX2655TF, FFSC2323TS, FGSC2335TD, FGSC2335TF, FGSS2635TD, FGSS2635TE, FGSS2635TF, FGSS2635TP, FPSC2277RF, FPSC2278UF, FPSS2677RF, LFSC2324VF, LGHK2336TD, LGHK2336TF, LGHX2636TD, and LGHX2636TF. Consumers can also visit https://www.frigidaire.com/en/frigidaire-recall-information to see if their specific serial number is included in this recall. The model and serial numbers are printed on a serial plate located inside the refrigerator compartment. More information and Model numbers are here
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the ice makers and contact Electrolux Group to request a replacement ice bucket assembly component, free of charge.
Sold At: Lowe’s, Home Depot and other stores nationwide and online at Frigidaire.com from November 2015 through September 2019 for between $1,400 and $2,400.
June 2, 2024 from CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:
Microwavable bowl holders have been recalled because the bowl holder’s fabric can char after being microwaved for the suggested three minutes, posing a fire hazard.
Consumer Contact: Demdaco toll-free at 888-336-3226 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email customercare@demdaco.com or online at www.demdaco.com/recall-information or www.demdaco.com and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.
This recall involves Demdaco brand microwavable bowl holders made of cotton and linen fabric. They measure 6.5 inches square for the small bowl holder, 8 inches square for the large bowl holder and were sold in 27 designs. DEMDACO is printed on the tag sewn into the side of the microwavable bowl holder.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the microwavable bowl holders and contact Demdaco for a full refund. Consumers can return the bowl holder to the place where it was purchased or request free return shipping by contacting Demdaco directly.
Sold At: Gift shops, hardware stores, florists, drug stores and pharmacies nationwide and online at Demdaco.com, Target.com, Amazon.com and Zulily.com from June 2020 through March 2022 for about $23.
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