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.
March 21, 2025 from Vinnews:
"Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security this week announced it was temporarily expanding duty-free egg import quotas to ensure a steady supply during the Passover holiday, which starts on April 12.
"As part of the move, which was made jointly with the Israeli Finance Ministry, the import quota for eggs will be increased to 105 million.
"The average egg consumption in the Jewish state is around 200 million monthly, roughly matching the domestic production capacity. During Passover, however, the demand spikes to approximately 240 million.
"At the Agriculture Ministry’s initiative, an additional four million eggs have already been imported into the country over the past week, with the remaining eggs expected to arrive in the coming three weeks.
"The ministry’s initiative includes importing eggs from avian flu-free areas in Europe, as well as industrially produced ones from the United States.
"Despite a global rise in egg costs, the ministry assured consumers this week that prices remain under government control, with no hikes expected ahead of the Jewish holiday of freedom."
March 7, 2025 from YNet:
"Israeli egg importers face skyrocketing prices in Europe and the US, while local production struggles post-war; Agriculture Ministry insists there will be enough eggs for the holiday, but distributors warn of significant shortages
"Although 90% of the eggs sold in Israel are produced locally, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has opened a quota for importing 105 million eggs to meet the increased demand during Passover, a holiday rich in egg-based dishes. “The price control on eggs keeps their cost in Israel relatively low compared to Western countries,” the Agriculture Ministry told Ynet.
"“Today, there’s no doubt eggs in Israel are among the cheapest in the world.” According to egg distributors, who are also importers, the low consumer price in Israel, which is dictated by price-control regulations, creates challenges for importing eggs, as prices in Europe have risen sharply.
"The steep price increase in the U.S. is attributed to a 12% shortage caused by avian flu outbreaks and unchecked price hikes by suppliers in a country without price controls. The chaos in the U.S. egg market has also affected Europe, which has been grappling with avian flu for years.
"Their prices have risen more moderately than in the U.S., not only due to the disease but also because of reforms requiring more spacious poultry coops and increased exports to the U.S., which have driven up costs for Israeli distributors purchasing from European suppliers.
"Israel's Poultry Council head Shmuel Levit, added: 'I believe there will be enough eggs for Passover, as distributors won’t risk failing to supply retailers. However, importation has been unprofitable for months, and it has gotten worse over the past two months.'"
March 21, 2025 from FrumNews.com:
"As Pesach approaches, a new New York City decree went into affect threatening the closure of Brooklyn's Matzah Bakeries. Askunim from all NYC communities are urgently trying to find a compromise to keep NYC Matzah Bakeries open"A new controversial New York City environmental regulation that went into effect, would threaten Brooklyn's beloved matzah bakeries for Pesach
"The new rule introduced by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection requires coal and wood-fire pizza stores and eateries including matzah bakeries to install a very costly emission control system to cut their smoke pollutants by 75%.
"The very costly filters would raise the cost of matzah much higher, matzah bakeries warn. Likely leading to the closure of most New York City Matzah Bakeries and having them relocated to more business friendly territories.
"As the new NYC rules were introduced, Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in, urging a path of compromise. 'We don't want to hurt businesses in the city, and we don’t want to hurt the environment. So, let's see if we can find a way to get the resolutions we're looking for'.
"NY Republican Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, who proudly represents the growing Frum community in Staten Island, is trying to fight this. He proposed a new compromised bill, 'Preserving Our Culinary Traditions Act'; which would waive the restrictions on burning wood, coal, natural gas, or other fuels to cook or prepare food.
"Assemblyman Pirozzolo argues that this rule is anti-business and would do little to actually help the fight against pollution and global warming. He points out that Governor Hochul's controversial bill to ban gas stoves and furnaces from new buildings gave an exception to existing restaurants, which this bill doesn't, so why not here.
"FrumNews.com has confirmed that many prominent Askunim from all NYC Jewish communities are actively in-communication with city officials trying to find a middle ground that would keep the NYC Matzah Bakeries open."
March 19, 2025 from The National Provsioner:
"Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY) is introducing The Lowering Egg Prices Act with Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), which would eliminate a regulation that forces farmers to discard millions of eggs each year.
"The bill mirrors the National Chicken Council’s previous petition to the Food and Drug Administration to reverse or modify a 15-year old regulation that forces the broiler industry to discard safe eggs.
"Federal regulations require the refrigeration of eggs 36 hours after they are laid. But that rule does not distinguish between table eggs, which are raw products that need to be refrigerated, and breaker eggs, which are pasteurized for use in everyday grocery products.
"This has forced the broiler industry to throw away nearly 400 million safe eggs each year. The Lowering Egg Prices Act will fix this problem by granting regulatory discretion on the refrigeration requirement for broiler eggs.
"A bipartisan group of more than a dozen members of the House of Representatives also recently wrote to Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, urging the agency to grant NCC’s petition."
February 20, 2025 from National Chicken Council:
"In light of the pressure the current highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) outbreak is putting on the nation’s egg supply, and resulting record egg prices, the National Chicken Council (NCC) today petitioned the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to reverse or modify an Obama-era regulation that forces the broiler industry (chickens raised for meat) to discard perfectly nutritious and safe eggs.
"According to an NCC press release, due to fluctuating market conditions, broiler hatcheries in some instances have more eggs on hand than they want to hatch. These are known as “surplus” hatching eggs. Prior to 2009 when FDA implemented new rules, broiler producers were able to sell these surplus eggs to egg processors, known as “breakers,” to be pasteurized (cooked) and used in egg products.
"When eggs are delivered from a breeding farm to a broiler hatchery, they are stored in a room kept at 65°F before they are placed in incubators to be hatched. Research has shown this is the most ideal temperature to store these eggs prior to incubation – warmer temperatures would induce the incubation process too soon and colder temperatures comprise the viability of an eventual hatch. But the 2009 FDA rule, which was focused on the safety of “table eggs,” or the eggs you buy in your grocery store, stated that all eggs intended to be sent to breaking facilities for eventual pasteurization must be kept at 45°F within 36 hours after being laid.
"As a direct result of the 2009 FDA rule, broiler producers stopped selling surplus hatching eggs to egg breakers and instead are forced to render or throw these eggs away, often at an additional cost.
"More than 58 million birds have been culled since HPAI was first detected in 2022, with the majority of them being egg-laying chickens, contributing to price spikes and supply disruptions that put tremendous strain on the shell and egg products industries. The impact has already begun to trickle down and impose hardships on restaurants, food manufacturers and consumers.
Granting NCC’s request would release almost 400 million safe and nutritious surplus eggs into the egg breaking supply each year, helping to ease costs and inflationary pressures.
"The full petition can be read by clicking here."
March 20, 2025 from CPSC :
Bella Pro Series and Cooks Steam Espresso machines Hazard have been recalled because the brew cup handle can forcefully eject during use, shattering the glass carafe and posing a burn and laceration hazard.
Consumer Contact: Sensio toll-free at 855-647-3125 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.bellakitchenware.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.
This recall involves the Bella Pro Series Steam Espresso Maker, Model 90195 and Cooks Steam Espresso Makers, Model 22395. The recalled espresso machines are black with stainless steel trim and measure about six inches wide and 12 inches high. The machines have “Bella Pro Series” or “Cooks” on the steaming chamber and the model number is identified as the “Item” number on a sticker under the machine.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled espresso machines and contact Sensio for a refund.
The firm has received 18 reports of the handles ejecting, eight of which reported burn and/or laceration injuries.
JCPenney stores nationwide and online at BestBuy.com and JCPenney.com from August 2023 through January 2025 for between $40 and $60.
March 13, 2025 from CPSC :
Gerolsteiner 750ml Sparkling Water Bottles have been recalled because the recalled water bottles can crack, causing a laceration hazard.
Consumer Contact: Gerolsteiner at 800-777-0633 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at customerservice@consup.us, or online at https://www.gerolsteiner.de/en/recall or at www.gerolsteiner.de/en/ and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page.
Description: This recall involves Gerolsteiner 750ml sparkling water bottles from two specific lots. The water was sold in large 750ml glass bottles or in cases containing 15 bottles. There is a white, blue and red label on the front of the bottle with the name “Gerolsteiner”. The lot number is located on the lower part of the label. Affected bottles have a lot number 11/28/2024 L or 11/27/2024 L.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Gerolsteiner sparkling water bottles, and return the bottles from the affected lots to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers will not be asked for proof of purchase, but will need to return the recalled bottle to receive a refund (in the form of cash or credit).
Sold At: Trader Joe’s stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas from December 2024 through January 2025 for about $3 per bottle.
March 13, 2025 from CPSC :
O3waterworks-branded Sanitizing Home Enhanced Oxygen Spray Bottles Home Version model number SB100 HD because the lithium-ion battery inside the bottle can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers
Consumer Action: CPSC urges consumers to immediately dispose of the products following local hazardous waste disposal procedures.
Sold At: The spray bottles were sold through Lowe’s stores nationwide and online at Lowes.com and O3waterworks.com from May 2020 through June 2024 for about $200.
February 28, 2025 from Food Processing:
"The original Ben and Jerry -- Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who founded their eponymous ice cream company in a garage in 1976 -- reportedly are in talks to buy back the business they sold to Unilever in 2000.
"All of Unilever’s ice cream business is scheduled for a spinoff from the company sometime this year. There were unconfirmed reports that the European conglomerate tried shopping the business around but couldn’t find a buyer.
"Ben & Jerry’s has had a rocky relationship lately with its parent, suing Unilever over sales in the West Bank/Occupied Palestinian Territories (Ben & Jerry’s tried to halt sales in protest of Israeli settlements there) and, this January, over Unilever deleting a social media post on abortion, climate change, minimum wages and universal healthcare “because it specifically mentioned Donald Trump,” according to several media reports.
"As Bloomberg said, they may need to partner with socially minded investors in any transaction because the Ben & Jerry’s business could be valued at several billion dollars in a sale, which means the founders would need deep-pocketed financial backers to make it happen."
February 27, 2025 from CPSC :
Babyjoy High Chairs have been recalled because the recalled high chairs pose a fatal suffocation risk because they were marketed, intended, or designed for infant sleep, and they have an incline angle greater than 10 degrees in violation of the federal Safe Sleep for Babies Act. In addition, the high chair poses a deadly entrapment hazard because the opening between the seat and tray is large enough that a child can become entrapped in it, which is a violation of the federal regulations for high chairs.
Consumer Contact: Costway toll-free at 844-242-1885 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at recall@costway.com, or online at https://www.costway.com/recall-high-chair or www.costway.com and click on recall for more information.
Description: This recall involves all Costway’s Babyjoy high chairs. The collapsible high chairs were sold in pink (model BB5656PI), beige (model BB5656BE) and gray (model BB5656GR), and have a footrest, a detachable tray, pink or gray or beige seat cushion with stars, and four static wheels with locks. The high chair can be adjusted for different heights and recline positions. “Babyjoy” is printed on the front of the detachable tray. “Goplus Corp.” is printed on a label located on the back of the high chair’s seat. The model number appears on the product packaging.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Costway for a full refund and instructions on how to return or dispose of the high chairs. Consumers can return the product by receiving a prepaid shipping label or provide photos of the destroyed product to recall@costway.com. Upon receipt of the returned product or photos of the destroyed product, Costway will issue the refund. Costway is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Sold Online At: Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Costway.com and Shein.com from November 2022 through November 2024 for b
February 27, 2025 from CPSC :
Babimoni Multifunctional High Chairs have been recalled because the high chairs pose a risk of serious injury or death to babies due to the fall hazard because they can tip over, the restraint system is not attached to the product, the tray can disengage, and the locks or latches can fail violating either the Federal booster seat or high chair regulations. In addition, the high chairs pose a fatal entrapment hazard because the opening between the tray and the seat is large enough to allow a baby to become entrapped violating the high chair regulation.
Consumer Action: CPSC urges consumers to stop using the high chairs immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous products.
The CPSC issued a Notice of Violation to the manufacturer, Ningbo Yibai Children Products Co. Ltd., of China, but the firm has not agreed to an acceptable recall.
About 350 high chairs were sold on Amazon.com from March 2024 through July 2024. The high chairs may have also been sold by other third-party sellers and on other websites.
February 24, 2025 from cbs2iowa.com:
"A nonprofit environmental group has filed a federal lawsuit against Agri Star Meat & Poultry, alleging the Iowa meatpacking plant has repeatedly violated the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants into Hecker Creek and the Yellow River.
"Driftless Water Defenders, represented by Public Justice, FarmSTAND, and Larew Law Office, filed the lawsuit Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. The legal action follows a 60-day notice period during which the group warned of its intent to sue, citing years of self-reported permit violations and a lack of enforcement from state regulators.
"According to the complaint, Agri Star’s Postville facility has "discharged and continues to discharge pollutants" beyond legal limits, including ammonia nitrogen, total suspended solids, chloride, oil and grease, and biochemical oxygen demand. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, financial penalties of up to $68,445 per day per violation, and court-ordered compliance measures.
"he lawsuit claims Agri Star has continued polluting Hecker Creek, a tributary of the Yellow River, despite holding a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, which contracts the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to carry out enforcement. The complaint alleges Iowa DNR has failed to carry out appropriate enforcement and that the meatpacking company has not only exceeded permitted pollutant levels, but also failed to conduct required water quality sampling and report results for additional contaminants."
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