June 1, 2023 from the OU in response to a question from the editor:
A few Orange Bakery Chocolate filled Croissants bear an OU, but contain milk. The mislabeling was corrected.
May 10, 2023 and May 15, 2023 : These bogus kosher symbols ares ome of the ones offered by companies, many in Asia particularly India that sell "certification" services. (No recognized rabbinical certification is behind these certications.) One should never rely on a symbol, but verify that it is a reliable agency.
Ed. note: If you see others please send to ajms@kashrut.com
May 9, 2023
Fraudulent kosher symbol on product at Restaurant Depot.
May 9, 2023 from the FDA:
Chang Farm, 301 River Road, Whatley, MA is expanding their recall to include ALL Mung Bean Sprouts and Soy Bean Sprouts within expiry because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The affected product is packaged in
We are expanding today's recall in response to a notification by the Massachusetts Food Protection Agency that a Mung Beans Sprouts sample collected on May 4th, 2023, at Chang Farm by the agency tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Chang Farm is working closely with governing authorities as we conduct the root cause investigation to this contamination.
All retail stores and wholesalers who have this lot in MA, CT, NY, NJ, and RI should remove this product from their shelves. Consumers should not consume the products and should discard this product or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers should contact their healthcare provider with any illness concerns. Consumers with questions about the warning may contact Chang Farm at 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519 which will be monitored Monday-Sunday 24 hours.
May 5, 2023 from the FDA:
"New York officials are alerting consumers to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in Ding Hao brand “Bean Sprouts,” packaged by Chang Farm in South Deerfield, MA, and distributed through Bean Sprouts Trading Inc. located in Brooklyn, NY.
"The affected Ding Hao brand “Bean Sprouts” is packaged in a 10-pound flexible plastic bag. The product does not have a production code or sell-by date listed on the package.
"Consumers who have purchased the Ding Hao brand “Bean Sprouts” may return the product to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may contact Chang Farm at 413-665-3341."
May 8, 2023: FDA:
As of May 5, 2023, a total of 9 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 3 states. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 9/9 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
California Splendor Recall: Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states with specific lot codes.
Scenic Fruit Recall: frozen organic strawberries with the following brand names and Best By Dates distributed to specific states:
California Splendor supplied recalled product to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled product to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.
March 22, 2023 from ealert
"The FDA has determined that the frozen organic strawberries linked to a current outbreak of Hepatitis A virus infections in the state of Washington originated on certain farms in Baja California (Mexico). The outbreak strain is identical to the strain of Hepatitis A that was responsible for a 2022 outbreak, that was linked to fresh organic strawberries grown in Baja California."
information from the CDC is here
On March 17, 2023, the retailer, Meijer, also issued press to voluntarily recall Made-WithExternal Link Disclaimer brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations.
This is not an exhaustive list of products or stores. FDA is continuing to work with the firms to identify potential additional product information.
March 16, 2023 from the FDA:
Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon is recalling frozen Organic Strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and frozen Organic Tropical Fruit Blend sold to Trader Joe’s due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses.
The following products are subject to this recall. The lot codes and best by dates are found on the back of each bag (see attached pictures below):
| Brand Name | Product Name | Net Wt. | UPC | Best By Dates Best If Use Dates Best Before Date |
Distributed in States |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Nature | Organic Strawberries | 24 oz. | 4099100256222 | 6/14/2024 | California, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin. |
| Vital Choice | Organic Strawberries | 16 oz. | 834297005024 | 5/20/2024 | Washington |
| Kirkland Signature | Organic Strawberries | 4 lbs. | 96619140404 | 10/8/2024 | Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington. |
| Made With | Organic Strawberries | 10 oz. | 814343021390 | 11/20/2024 | Illinois, Maryland |
| PCC Community Markets |
Organic Strawberries | 32 oz. | 22827109469 | 29/10/2024 | Washington |
| Trader Joe's | Organic Tropical Fruit Blend Pineapple, Bananas, Strawberries & Mango |
16 oz | 00511919 | 04/25/24 05/12/24 05/23/24 05/30/24 06/07/24 |
Nationwide |
Link to CDC information: Outbreak of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Linked to Frozen Organic Strawberries is here
CDC, state public health and regulatory officials, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, by a common supplier. Frozen organic strawberries may be sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels. Traceback and epidemiological investigations show that people with outbreak-associated cases in Washington purchased the same retail brand of frozen organic strawberries prior to becoming ill.
April 27, 2023 from the COR Canada:
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing/ Vinaigrette ranch au babeurre, 4L
Issue: This product is kosher DAIRY.
Corrective action has been taken.
March 31, 2023 from the editor:
Kosher certificate is here. The certificate lists that Terumos and maasros were taken.
June 14, 2017 from the Capitol-K:
"We are pleased to announce that effective immediately DOROT FARMS CARROTS product of Israel is Approved for this season under the certification of Rav Yosef Efrati.
PLEASE NOTE:
March 16, 2023 from the FDA:
California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California is recalling certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, Hawaii and two San Diego business centers, due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses.
The lots subject to this recall are as follows:
| 140962-08 | 142222-23 | 142792-54 | 142862-57 | 142912-59 |
| 142162-20 | 142202-21 | 142782-53 | 142852-56 | 142902-58 |
| 142212-22 | 142232-24 | 142842-55 |
The lot number can be identified on the back of the bag as shown above:
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the affected product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. Consumers with questions may email the company at consumerinformation@calsplendor.com.
posted March 15, 2023
Fraudulent kosher certification from from Pakistan: https://www.fiverr.com/tahirkhan332/provide-you-kosher-certificate-for-your-products.
February 27, 2023 from the editor:
Israeli Persimmons are in season and are being sold at Restaurant Depot and elsewhere. These fruits are shimitta.
January 5, 2023 from the KVH Kosher:
Various produce items from Israel, including peppers, carrots and citrus fruit are being sold at local markets including Costco, Stop & Shop, Wegmans, Restaurant Depot and possibly other locations in the Greater Boston Area, as well as on Instacart.
Currently, all citrus fruits from Israel are from Shemitah and should not be used. If already purchased, please consult your Rabbi.
Information on Tithing and Shmitta are found at https://www.kashrut.com/consumer/vegetables
December 23, 2022 from the COR Detroit:
BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL (red, yellow and orange) are now being sold in the U.S. and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. (They are no longer subject to the Shemitah restriction of "sefichin".) Carefully check the fine print on the package, or the sticker on peppers sold loose, for the country of origin. Often the same brand has some peppers from Israel and some from other locations, so each individual package or pepper should be checked.
Whenever buying produce, one should be careful to check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin, due to issues of Shemitah (consult your Rav for details), or of Terumos and Maaseros if it is not Shemitah product.
CITRUS FRUIT FROM ISRAEL will soon appear in U.S. stores, and will be Shemitah product well into 2023. This includes oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, clementines, pomelos and “Sweetie”. Some additional examples of Israeli produce commonly found in the U.S. include tomatoes, carrots, persimmons (“Sharon Fruit”), pomegranates, mangos, dates, dill and parsley.
February 22, 2023: From the OU:
Wellsley Farms Garlic Butter & Herbs Seasoning, BJ's Wholesale Club, Marlborough MA has an unauthorized OU:
The Orthodox Union does not certify Wellsley Farms Garlic Butter & Herbs Seasoning. This dairy seasoning bears an unauthorized OU mark. Corrective actions are being implemented.
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