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.
December 22, 2023 from Reuters:
"Nearly 7,000 miles away in Portland, Oregon, venture capitalist George Djuric said he was compelled to visit Israel during the country's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas and to pledge support for the high-tech sector.
"Djuric, chief technology officer at yVentures who arrived in the United States as a 3-year-old refugee from Bosnia during the Bosnian war in the mid-1990s, this week joined some 70 other U.S. tech executives and investors on a trip to Israel.
"Although not Jewish, Djuric said he was drawn to Israel by the state's resiliency and as someone whose family's views were shaped by war.
"nvestors and analysts had predicted the conflict with the Palestinians would derail a fragile recovery in high-tech, which accounts for more than half of Israel's exports and nearly a fifth of its overall economic output.
"Funding had already dropped sharply amid a global slowdown and a divisive government judicial overhaul when the war took its toll on the economy. Growth, on pace for a 3.4% clip this year, has fallen to an expected 2% with the outlook at least as grim.
"At least 15% of the tech workforce has been called up for military reserve duty. Fighting in the Gaza Strip escalated on Thursday and Hamas rocketed Tel Aviv, even as the foes engaged in the most serious talks for weeks on a new truce.
"Yet, even as the war rages, tech funding deals are still getting done, albeit at a slower pace. Startups have raised more than $6 billion in 2023 compared with $16 billion in 2022.
"On Tuesday, ScaleOps, a startup specializing in cloud resource management, announced a $21.5 million funding round. Last week, cyber startup Zero Networks, which prevents attackers from spreading in corporate networks, raised $20 million.
"Ron Miasnik of Bain Capital Ventures who co-organized the delegation, said he had expected Israeli startups to go on drawing large sums. He said he believed the country's economy would ultimately bounce back."
December 28, 2023 from the CPSC in conjunction with Government of Canada:
BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders have been recalled because the recalled blenders can overheat or catch fire and the blender blades can break off, posing fire and laceration hazards to consumers.
Consumer Contact: BlendJet toll-free at 844-334-0562 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.blendjet.com/safetyandrecall or www.blendjet.com and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.
This recall involves BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders sold in a variety of colors and designs. Serial numbers are printed on the bottom of the base along with “blendjet2” and “The Original Portable Blender.” The blenders measure approximately 9.5 inches in height and 3 inches wide and weigh approximately 1.5 pounds. Units where the first 4 digits of the serial number are between 5201-5542 and are subject to the recall must be identified through the use of the “Is my BlendJet 2 Recalled?” tool located at www.blendjet.com/safetyandrecall.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled blenders and contact BlendJet for a free replacement of the BlendJet 2 base unit. Consumers will need to remove and cut the rubber seal from the base of their recalled blender into three or more pieces and upload or email a photo showing the serial number on the bottom of the unit and its rubber seal in pieces to BlendJet at www.blendjet.com/safetyandrecall or safety@blendjet.com to receive a free replacement base. Consumers can identify whether they have a recalled unit by entering the serial number of their unit into the “Is my BlendJet 2 Recalled?” tool located at www.blendjet.com/safetyandrecall, or by calling BlendJet toll-free number at 844-334-0562.
The firm has received approximately 329 reports of the blades breaking while in use, and an additional 17 reports of overheating or fires resulting in property damage claims of approximately $150,000. The firm has received about 49 reports of minor burns and one report of a laceration injury.
Sold At: Costco, Walmart, Target and other stores nationwide and online at BlendJet.com from October 2020 through November 2023 for between $50 and $75.
December 26, 2023 from the World Israel News:
"The owner of a restaurant in the village of Julis has made her establishment kosher, joining a trend begun weeks ago by eateries eager to also feed soldiers and evacuees who keep the Jewish dietary restrictions, so none are left out.
"Noor owner Basma Khir wanted to provide authentic Druze cuisine to everyone affected by the ongoing war with Hamas, and turned through a contact to Deputy Minister of Transportation Uri Maklev of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party for help. His office immediately connected her with the kashruth division of the Chief Rabbinate, which made all the arrangements."
December 25, 2023 from the Jerusalem Post:
"The Food Industries Association of Israel (FIAI) warned that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and along with an increasing threat from Houthi rebels along the Bab al-Mandab Strait, that unless immediate action is taken by the Israeli government, Israel's food security is in danger.
"Dr. Ron Tomer, the current president of the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel (MAI) and Dodi Manevich, Chairman of the Food Industries Association, appealed to Chairman of the Economy Committee in the Knesset MK David Bitan with a request to hold an emergency discussion on the subject of food security and Israel's emergency stockpile.
"The two warned that the government must have a strategy prepared within which goals will be set to ensure local production of at least 75% of the required food in order to prevent a food crisis.
"The FIAI stated that approximately 90% of Israel's food production facilities are located in the conflict zones in the north and south, and despite the security tensions, the facilities are continuing to operate while they are exposed to rocket barrages from Gaza or Lebanon and many of their employees have been evacuated to remote areas.
"At the outbreak of war following the October 7 massacres, supermarkets and shops across Israel saw panic-buying ahead of the expected Israeli military retaliation. Water, toilet paper, and other essentials quickly sold out throughout the countrym and limits were put in place to prevent people from overbuying supplies."
December 21, 2023 from the Monsey Scoop:
"The Rabbonim of Monsey unveiled a pioneering initiative this week known as the Rockland Kashrus Oversight Committee (R.K.O.C.), which aims to provide Monsey consumers with comprehensive and current information regarding the kashrus of the foods they consume.
"The R.K.O.C. has been established with the primary objective of supporting and empowering local hechshairim to maintain their high standards and to deter the establishment of certifying agencies that do not meet our communities stringent criteria.
"The committee stressed that it does not assume complete responsibility for the kashrus of any specific establishment within its purview. Instead, its role is to ensure that kitchen protocols are in place to facilitate the work of the hechshairim in upholding kosher standards.
"The R.K.O.C., led by esteemed Rabbonim Rav Chaim Shraga Feivel Schneelbag, Rav Bezalel Tovia Wetenstein, and Rav Tzvi Moshe Langner, has garnered widespread support from prominent Monsey Rabbonim."
December 22, 2023 from the Water Digest
"As climate change and water scarcity become increasingly urgent issues around the world, governments are turning to new options to ensure adequate water supplies — including turning sewage waste into drinking water.
"And if you’re in California, this may soon be flowing from your kitchen tap.
"The State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday voted to allow water companies to pump treated wastewater into residents’ taps in the populous, drought-prone state.
"Members unanimously approved the new regulations on Tuesday, after years of discussions and just before a deadline set six years ago for the state to adopt regulations for reusing wastewater by the end of 2023. After the new rules are finalized next year, water companies will be able to submit plans for projects to be approved by the board.
"Many people are already drinking treated wastewater, Esquivel said, the Associated Press reported. What exists now is wastewater treated by what’s known as “indirect potable reuse,” a process where wastewater is released into natural water bodies, such as reservoirs and rivers, before being turned into drinking water."
December 21, 2023 from the CPSC :
HEAO 4-in-1 High Chairs have been recalled because the high chairs pose a 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 CPSC’s Infant Sleep Products Rule and the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. In addition, the high chairs pose finger laceration and entrapment hazards as they failed to meet mandatory requirements under the high chair standard.
Consumer Contact: Brandline collect at 302-261-5366 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or e-mail at maxlead.us@gmail.com.
Description: The recall involves HEAO’s 4-in-1 high chairs. The adjustable height and multiple recline positions high chairs were sold in black, blue, gold, green, gray, pink and red. They have a footrest, a detachable tray, seat cushion, and four static or rotating wheels with locks. “HEAO” is on the high chair’s head support of the seat cushion and on the front of the tray. “Max Lead Int’l Ltd. 3113 Glenfield Ave., Dallas, TX 75233 (302) 448-4207” is printed on a label stitched on the back of the seat cushion.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Brandline for instructions on how to dispose of the products and receive a full refund.
Sold Exclusively Online: Amazon.com from November 2022 through September 2023 for about $170.
December 21, 2023 from the CPSC :
Foldable wood and rope bistro set chairs have been recalled because the wooden frame of the chair can break or collapse when a consumer is seated in the chair, posing a fall hazard.
This recall involves foldable wood and rope bistro set chairs sold as part of a three- or five-piece set. Some of the sets were sold under Nautica or House & Garden brands. The folding chair sets consist of one small wooden table and two or four foldable chairs made with wood frames, and rope on the seat and back in either gray, turquoise, brown, sand, black, aqua, pink, green, taupe or white, and a gold bar supporting the back legs. Some chairs were sold individually at stores. The chairs were also sold online labeled as three-piece handcrafted in Vietnam and three-piece HD Furniture Group indoor-outdoor rope and Acacia Wood Bistro Table and Chairs Set.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and contact TJX for instructions on how to receive a full refund and dispose of chairs. Consumers can also return the recalled chairs to any HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Homesense or Sierra store for a full refund.
Sold At: Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Homesense and Sierra stores nationwide, and online at Homegoods.com, TJmaxx.tjx.com, Marshalls.com, and Sierra.com from March 2020 through September 2023 for between $130 and $350 and between $40 and $80 for chairs sold individually.
For Consumer Contact information click here.
December 14, 2023 from the CPSC :
PowerXL™ DUAF-10 and DUAF-005 Vortex Dual-Basket Air Fryers were recalled becuase the plastic U-Channel connector used to optionally combine the two food baskets inside of the air fryers can break during use, posing a burn hazard.
Consumer Contact: Empower Brands toll-free at 866-704-9370 from 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday CT, Monday through Friday, or online at www.prodprotect.com/recall/duaf or https://powerxlproducts.com and click on “Important Safety Recall Notice” for more information.
This recall involves two models of the PowerXL dual-basket air fryer. The egg-shaped air fryers have two baskets that can be used separately or optionally combined into one large single basket. The recalled air fryers were sold in black or cinnamon colors. The 10-quart DUAF-10 model is about 17 inches long by 16 inches wide by 12 1/2 inches tall, and weighs about 14 1/2 pounds. The 9-quart DUAF-005 model is about 14 inches long by 13 inches wide by 15 inches tall, and weighs about 14 pounds. The product has a silver label on the front that says “PowerXL”. There is a white label on the bottom of each unit or on the unit’s power cord that lists the model number.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dual basket air fryers and contact Empower Brands to receive a full refund.
Sold At: Target, Walmart, Kohls and other stores nationwide and online at www.target.com, www.walmart.com, www.kohls.com and other websites from August 2021 through October 2023 for between $60 and $190, depending on the model.
December 14, 2023 from the CPSC :
Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Propane Grills have been recalled because the burner control knob can be incorrectly labeled, which can result in the grill being unintentionally left on, posing a fire hazard.
Consumer Contact: Traeger toll-free at 833-654-2407 seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT or online at www.traeger.com/recall or www.traeger.com and click on “Recall” for more information.
This recall involves the Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grills powered by propane. The product is black in color and has a closeable lid with a silver handle and the name “Traeger” written on it in black with the Traeger logo. The product is approximately 74 inches long by 27 inches wide by 36 inches tall and weighs about 189 lbs. The grills have a silver color label located on the rear with SKU Number as 1DFL42LLA.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Traeger Flatrock Flat Top Grills and contact Traeger for inspection instructions and, if the burner control knobs are incorrectly labeled, consumers will receive a free repair kit.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 57 reports of flame adjustment knobs being incorrectly labeled. No fires or injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Ace Hardware, The Home Depot and Scheel’s stores nationwide and online at www.acehardware.com, www.homedepot.com andwww.traeger.com from February 2023 through October 2023 for about $900
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