Hazelnuts Recalled Due to Risk of Salmonella Poisoning

Willamette Shelling of Newberg, OR is recalling 114,350 lbs of Shelled Hazelnuts, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. After product sampling, Salmonella was found on one production lot. To ensure consumer safety, Willamette Shelling has decided to recall all shelled hazelnuts processed at its facility from October 12th 2009 through November 25th 2009. Hazelnuts subject to the recall were shelled at Willamette Shelling's facility on behalf of hazelnut processors. Shelled Hazelnuts processed by Willamette Shelling were returned to Oregon processors and a Canadian processor, and were further distributed by those firms. Unshelled hazelnuts are not affected by this recall. All products subject to recall were packed in 25 lbs. and 50 lbs. corrugated boxes with lot code numbers 296091A, 299091A, 300091A, VH3696BO, and 310091A. Those corrugated boxes bore the following brand names: Kunze Farms, Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, Canadian Hazelnuts, and Firestone Farms. Whole Foods has recalled an unspecified amount of organic raw hazelnuts and non-organic dry roasted hazelnuts sold in bulk through its stores in: California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Harry and David has recalled all raw, shelled hazelnut kernels sold in Harry & David Country Village store in Medford, Oregon. Burnt Ridge Orchards of Onalaska WA, has recalled 98 pounds of shelled hazelnuts sold at the Olympia Farmer’s Market in Olympia, WA. No illnesses have been reported to date. Hazelnut processors who used Willamette Shelling's facility in 2009 are urged to return the product to Willamette Shelling. Consumers with questions may contact Ben Mitchell at (503) 538-9256, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST.

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Abeles & Heymann Glatt Kosher Frankfurters featured at this year's Super Bowl

Abeles & Heymann, Named Starter at the BIG Game! Abeles & Heymann Glatt kosher products will be available at this year’s Pro Bowl and Super Bowl at LandShark Stadium. Fans seeking kosher food while attending the games can enjoy an All-Star menu provided by Kosher Sports, Inc., served at their concession stands featuring premium Abeles & Heymann products, including their Classic Frankfurters, Italian Sausages, Pastrami Dogs, and will be debuting Grilled Salami Sliders and Garlic Frankfurters (Knoblewurst). Seth Leavitt, president of A&H Products, Inc., said, “we are so thrilled to have our items featured at the games, and to offer Glatt kosher food options to the fans”. Abeles & Heymann products have been sold in many stadiums for years through Kosher Sports, Inc., and this is the first Pro Bowl and Super Bowl that they will be in attendance. Jonathan Katz, President of Kosher Sports, Inc. said, “we take great pride in providing the highest quality products to our fans and Abeles & Heymann allows us to do just that”. Abeles & Heymann products are under strict kosher supervision of the Orthodox Union. For more information, contact Seth Epstein at 908.206.8886. About A&H Products, Inc.: The company is an award winning glatt kosher provisions company that was founded in the Bronx, NY in 1954. Today, A&H Products, Inc. is headquartered in Hillside, NJ, manufacturing in its custom built state-of-the art facility producing the Abeles & Heymann brand and private label products. The company produces a full line of traditional delicacies and old world classic glatt kosher meat provisions including pastrami, corned beef, cervelat, beef fry, salami, bologna, turkey, frankfurters, sausages, liverwurst, chopped liver and more. Abeles & Heymann products are found nationwide in numerous retailers; from the finest supermarkets and specialty food shops, to delicatessens and white tablecloth restaurants. Contact: Seth Epstein A&H Products, Inc. 739 Ramsey Avenue Hillside, NJ 07205 908.206.8886 www.Abeles-Heymann.com

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Price Chopper Positions New Store as Kosher Destination

As Jewish people around the world gather to celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of lights, Schenectady, N.Y.-based Golub Corp.’s Price Chopper banner is describing its new store in Colonie, N.Y., as “the premier destination for kosher products in the region.” According to Price Chopper, the environmentally friendly location, which replaced its smaller local predecessor in June, has the “largest kosher store-within-a-store offering from Monsey, N.Y., to Montreal” — both areas with significant Jewish populations — “this holiday season and beyond.” Some of the features of new store’s expansive kosher department are: Frozen: New food lines include Aunt Trudy’s USDA organic Fillo pocket sandwiches, Twin Marquis Asian cuisine, Cohen’s and Spring Valley hors d’oeuvres, Spring Valley Blintzes, Get Healthy America Natural gluten-free dinners, Mimi’s Gourmet USDA Organic meals, and Klein’s Kosher Ice Cream in dairy and parve versions. Grocery: The department offers a 12-foot section dedicated to products from Israel, as well as a kosher low-alcohol wine section, a large candy section, a Judaica section and a baked goods section stocked with items originating from the New York City area. Dairy: Food lines in this section include Sonny and Joe’s Hummus salads, Flaum appetizers and dips, and Strub’s pickles from Canada. Deli: The store’s kosher deli has increased its offerings of fully prepared kosher meals, an important resource for an observant Jewish community without full-service kosher restaurant. The section takes orders from outside groups in search of kosher catering services. This extensive and growing product selection has enabled Price Chopper to dedicate key sections to bi-weekly promotions and holiday displays. The location is already working on a unique Passover offering this spring, according to the chain, which is also targeting observant Jewish travelers to the region. Price Chopper officials have met with the Albany County Convention and Visitors bureau about introducing mobile kosher meals for events and area visitors. “We are certainly gratified that our community is embracing the new store,” said Shmuel Kochman, the store’s kosher grocery manager. “We look forward to serving our loyal customers as well as new guests who discover us as the word spreads about the wide selection of kosher fare we provide.” Since its debut six months ago, the Colonie store has seen solid double-digit growth in year-to-date sales in its kosher store-within-a-store, Price Chopper said, adding that the department is additionally driving modest gains in the location’s overall grocery sales. Source: Progressive Grocer

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Atlanta Kosher News and Alerts

From the Atlanta Kashruth Commission (AKC): Bruster's Ice Cream store at 226 Johnson Ferry Road is not renewing their kosher certification as of January 1, 2010 and will no longer be certified by the Atlanta Kashruth Commission. Avenue K has two upcoming kosher restaurant nights. The cost for each night for food is $20 per adult and $10 per child. Beverages are additional. Please call 770-578-1110 for reservations and details. -- January 7th at Chabad of Cobb - Lower Roswell Road. Italian night. -- February 4th at The Pavillion of East Cobb. Southern-themed menu. Chewing gum uses non-kosher ingredients and certification is always required. Return to Eden has new exciting products: 1. SMOOZE brand ices made from coconut and fruits. 3 different flavors. 2. Arrowhead Mills Organic stuffing comes in 3 different flavors. On Sale. 3. Dr Praeger's potato, broccoli, spinach and sweet potato latkes (pancakes). If you have any questions feel free to email Yocheved at yochevk@gmail.com Rabbi Stein's Kosher Crash Course on How Kosher Works will continue Sunday, December 20; 7:30 pm at the Kollel Dome – 5237 Tilly Mill Road. Feel free to come even if you miss a class. No cost. To register, please email RabbiDan@atlantakollel.org. Kroger Orchard Park (2090 Dunwoody Club Drive) is having a Kosher Walk-Thru with Rabbi Stein on Tuesday, January 5, 2009 at 8 pm. Please email Rabbi Danneman at sofer36@gmail.com to reserve a place on the tour.

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10 Recent Twitter Posts

More kosher companies and tweeters added to My Kosher List: http://twitter.com/kashrutnews/kosher - now at 223! Kosher Chanukah Specials at Jerusalem Restaurants from @eLunacom http://bit.ly/5OU34a Would you like a #free tall cup of Starbucks coffee? http://bit.ly/59LQWh Chicago SeniorLife "Kosher To Go" service now cRc-approved and expanded: http://bit.ly/8ErK3a "Good for you” cookies - gluten free, dairy free, soy free and kosher! Kof-K Pas Yisroel. nanascookiecompany.com Read the Fall 2009 issue of the Othodox Union's magazine, Beyond the Union Symbol, here: http://tinyurl.com/ydqe4v9 New Kosher Restaurant opens in Rockville, Maryland http://tinyurl.com/yf9wan8 El Al Airline Serves Hanukkah Recipes To Attract Jewish Travelers http://bit.ly/7JNR5M Kosher wine Chanukah sale - http://tinyurl.com/yztqzx6 New Kosher Cookbook Serves Up Southern Classics http://ow.ly/HBFo

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Premium producers say story on kosher wines isn't short and sweet anymore

NAPA, Calif. — Vintner Ernie Weir wants to make one thing perfectly clear. Yes, his wines are kosher. But first and foremost, they are award-winning Napa Valley wines. "Some people ask about kosher; we explain it to them. Some people don't ask about kosher; we don't explain it to them. It just kind of works. It flows," says Weir, owner with his wife, Irit, of Hagafen Cellars in Napa. (Hagafen means "the grapevine" in Hebrew.) Weir came to the Napa Valley 36 years ago - a time when feelings of ethnic pride were surging - with a dream of making a wine that connected with his heritage. Back then, that was a bold move. Kosher wine in America - which for years had been made with Concord grapes that require sweetening to be palatable - was, to put it nicely, a less than premium beverage. Today, things are different. "There are fantastic wines from California, New Zealand, Israel," says Aron Ritter, who started the Kosher Wine Society in New York four years ago after realizing "there was nothing out there for a kosher consumer." It may not have the high profile of the Italian or French industries, but winemaking has been an integral part of Jewish culture for centuries. A number of Jewish holy days and religious rituals involve wine, including the weekly observance of the Sabbath, which includes a prayer, the kiddush, said over the wine. Making a wine kosher isn't complicated. "People always ask me the question: What makes wine kosher?" says Joseph Herzog, partner and general manager of Herzog Wine Cellars in southern California, a major producer and importer of kosher wines. "I tell people this: Really, wine is kosher. You've just got to keep it kosher. It's crushed grapes fermented. There's nothing non-kosher about it." Requirements for keeping wine kosher include not working on the Sabbath, and making sure that, at critical points, the wine is handled only by Sabbath-observant Jews who strictly observe kosher dietary laws. Ingredients also must be certified by a regulating body, such as the Orthodox Union of New York. Most of the ingredients that go into wine are no problem, but some animal-based products are ruled out, such as gelatin, sometimes used as a fining agent to assist in filtering the wine. Modern technology has solved another problem of kosher wine, which needs to be heated when it's going to be used in certain settings, such as when it might be poured by waiters who are not observant Jews. That used to mean almost boiling the wine, not a good idea. But flash pasteurization, often used before the juice ferments and done in less than a minute, does not harm the wine, Weir says. Wine doesn't play a big part in Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration of light over darkness commemorating victory in battle and the subsequent finding of a miraculous cruse of oil that stayed lit for eight days. Still, that doesn't mean you can't look for something light to go with the traditional foods - latkes, potato pancakes with sour cream, latkes with apple sauce, and sufganiot, or jelly doughnuts. "You need wines that are really nice and balanced," says Weir. "Oftentimes wines with high acidity go really well." So, a sparkling wine is a nice match for the doughnuts, and a Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Noir - depending on whether meat is served and what kind - balances the latkes. Ritter regularly holds tasting events and likes to come up with pairing suggestions for traditional foods. For Hanukkah, celebrated this year Dec. 11 to 19, he says "you can never go wrong with a nice Sauvignon Blanc with some latkes." Weir makes all the familiar varietals of the Napa Valley as well as some wines that are a little less familiar, including Roussanne, a white wine that blends the tart freshness of a Sauvignon Blanc with the richness of a Chardonnay. For years, he made only dry wines, afraid to play into the old stereotype of sweet and cheap. But with a few decades of experience under his belt, that's changed and he now makes dessert wines when the late-harvest fruit required for it is available. "I have enough confidence to make sweet wines," he says with a smile. Source: The Canadian Press

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From the South Africa Beth Din

Dairymaid-Nestle flavoured Ice lollies are Kosher, Parev and Mehadrin when bearing the Beth Din logo. Kosher Caterers - All Beth Din approved kosher caterers are listed in the various Kashrut Division publications and on our website. A number of private caterers advertise their services as “kosher style”, or even “kosher”. Unless listed by us, they are NOT approved and we take no responsibility for the kashrut of functions catered by them. When in doubt, please call the Kashrut Division for advice. Pre-packaged kosher meat is available for sale in various non-kosher outlets. Such meat must be properly sealed (i.e., double sealed – the outer seal being tamper proof – and bearing a recognized Beth Din butchery’s name and the Beth Din logo). In the absence of such signs and seals, such meat should not be purchased. Checkers Balfour Park has advertised a kosher bakery, butchery, deli and fish deli. Please be advised that following the renovation, NONE of the above are under Beth Din supervision. Checkers have placed Magen Davids on their signage – these signs are meaningless. The Beth Din takes absolutely no responsibility for the kashrut in the abovementioned departments. Faircape 150 ml Choc Mousse has an unauthorized Beth Din sign and is NOT kosher. New packaging will NOT have the BD sign. Anat - some of their flavoured bread products are milchik. Check the BD sign carefully. Snaxels Choc Stix are incorrectly marked parev. The product is milchik. Going on vacation? Did you know you can search our vast kashrut guide database from any WAP enabled cell phone? Search includes local and imported products and extensive alcohol search (all updated daily). Simply point your cell phone browser to http://www.facebook.com/l/bf26b;www.uos.co.za/mobi Bonus feature – Shabbat, Yom Tov and Fast times for Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Plett, PE, East Londo, Buluwayo and Harae. Go on, give it a try! YOSHON BULLETIN #2 - http://uos.co.za/kashrut/yoshon2.asp YOSHON BULLETIN #3 - http://www.uos.co.za/kashrut/yoshon3.asp

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Canadian Recall: Heinz Mixed Baby Cereal

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Heinz Canada are warning the public not to consume the Heinz Mixed Cereal for babies described below as it may contain elevated levels of Ochratoxin A (OTA). The following product is affected by this alert: Heinz Mixed Cereal, a Baby Cereal, Stage 2, From 6 Months 227 g UPC 0 57000 02516 8 Codes: BB/MA 10 DE 26 and BB/MA 10 DE 29 The best before date codes are located on the top left hand corner of the package. The affected product has been distributed nationally. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by some fungi that can grow in certain food crops such as grains, grapes and coffee beans. Ochratoxin A has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen. If you have the products bearing the identified product code in your home, they should not be consumed in order to minimize your child's exposure. However, if your children have already consumed this food, then there is no need for other actions since even the highest levels of ochratoxin A found in these products are not high enough to pose a health risk when consumed as part of a normal diet over the short term. The manufacturer, Heinz Canada, North York, ON, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers: Heinz Canada at 1-800-565-2100. CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday). For more information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA's Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca. Media Inquiries: Joan Patterson, Heinz Canada, Media Relations 1-416-226-7587 CFIA Media Relations: 613-773-6600

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OU Alerts and New Products

From the Orthodox Union (OU): Godiva Catalog Misrepresentation Brands: Godiva Products: #73412---New Grand Celebration Basket on page 30 #77315---Godiva Ultimate Collection on Page 31 Company: Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. Issue: This product is mistakenly identified in the Godiva Holiday Catalog as OU certified and is not certified by the Orthodox Union. Future catalogs will be corrected. Consumers placing orders will be advised that the product is not kosher. Ayhans Famous Mediterranean Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Brands: Ayhans Famous Products: Mediterranean Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing 16 oz. UPC 92181-00006 Company: Ayhan's Mediterranean Brands, LLC - Port Washington, NY Issue: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org. Newly Certified Products Colorado Sun Oil Processing Lamar, CO Brand: SunOpta Product(s): Expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil-rbd, Organic canola oil- RBD, OU Organic soybean oil-RBD, OU --------------------------------------------- Cott Beverages USA, Inc. Columbus, GA Brand: Xingtea Product(s): Blueberry Pomegranate Lemonade, OU Green Tea W/ Cherry, OU Green Tea W/ Raspberry & Honey, OU Just Plain Tea (Unsweetened), OU Peach Mango Lemonade, OU --------------------------------------------- Decas Cranberry Products Inc. Carver, MA Brand: Decas Cranberry Product(s): Pacran (Certified One With Rabbi’s Specific Lot Letter), OU Pacran-Sg (Certified One With Rabbi’s Specific Lot Letter), OU Pacran- Sp (Certified One With Rabbi’s Specific Lot Letter), OU --------------------------------------------- Gourmet Food Imports Lafayette, ca Brand: gourmet foods Product(s): Bulgarian feta cheese in brine- buffalo milk (only certified when bearing OU hologram), OU-D Bulgarian feta cheese in brine- cow milk (only certified when bearing OU hologram), OU-D Bulgarian feta cheese in brine- goat milk (only certified when bearing OU hologram), OU-D Bulgarian feta cheese in brine- sheep milk (only certified when bearing OU hologram), OU-D --------------------------------------------- Gray & Company Charleston, SC Brand: Pamco Product(s): Glace Citrus Peels, OU Glace Pineapple, OU --------------------------------------------- Har Nof Kosher Foods Bronx, NY Brand: Har Nof Product(s): Veal, OU-Glatt 8/1 Franks 5#, OU-Glatt Beef, OU-Glatt Cooked Roast Beef, OU-Glatt Retail Franks, OU-Glatt Sliced Salami, OU-Glatt Wide Bologna Bulk, OU-Glatt Lamb, OU-Glatt Smoked Salmon Bulk, OU Smoked Salmon Retail, OU Brand: Masada Product(s): Beef, OU-Glatt Chopped Liver, OU-Glatt Corned Beef Deckle Raw, OU-Glatt Corned Beef Shoulder Raw, OU-Glatt Lamb, OU-Glatt Veal, OU-Glatt --------------------------------------------- High Country Kombucha Eagle, CO Brand: High Country Product(s): Kombucha-Aloe, OU Kombucha-Ginger, OU Kombucha- Lemon Myrtle, OU Kombucha-Original, OU Kombucha-Wild Root, OU --------------------------------------------- Iblea Sale Di Borrometi G. & C. S.N.C. Italy Brand: Borrometi Product(s): Coarse Sea Salt, OU Fine Sea Salt, OU --------------------------------------------- Iconic Brands, Inc. Lindenhurst, NY Brand: Limoncello Product(s): Limoncello Liqueur (With Special OU Bottle Capsule), OU --------------------------------------------- Krons S.A. Greece Brand: Kronos Product(s): Canned Apricots, OU Peach Cubes, OU Peach Slices In Syrup, OU --------------------------------------------- Kupiec Sp. Z O.O. Poland Brand: Kupiec Product(s): Garlic Matzoh, OU Rice Cake- Corn, OU Rice Cake- Plain, OU Rice Cake- Salt, OU Traditional Matzoh, OU Wholegrain Matzoh, OU --------------------------------------------- Longhai Huasheng Foods Company, Ltd. China Brand: Longhair Huasheng Ciq #3502/08047 Product(s): Baby Corn, OU Carrot, OU Green Peppers, OU Kiwi, OU Okra, OU Pineapple, OU Radish, OU Spring Onion, OU Squash, OU Taro, OU Tomatoes, OU Yellow Peppers, OU --------------------------------------------- Napa Valley Reserve St. Helena, CA Brand: The Napa Valley Reserve Product(s): Napa Valley Red Wine 2009 (Non-Mevushal), (When Bearing The Ou Hologram Sticker), OU --------------------------------------------- Nextfoods, Inc. Boulder, Co Brand: Goodbelly Product(s): Multi Probiotics Plus Multi Vitamin Fruit Drink- Blueberry Acai, OU-D Probotic Fruit Drink- Black Currant, OU-D Probotic Fruit Drink- Blueberry Acai, OU-D Probotic Fruit Drink- Cranberry Watermelon, OU-D Probotic Fruit Drink- Mango, OU-D --------------------------------------------- Pepsico Foods Canada ULC Cambridge, ON Brand: Spitz Product(s): Chili Lime Sunflower Seeds, OU Dill Pickle Pumpkin Seeds, OU Salted Sunflower Seeds, OU Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds, OU Smoky BBQ Sunflower Seeds, OU Spicy Sunflower Seeds, OU --------------------------------------------- Pom Wonderful, LLC Los Angeles, CA Brand Name: Pom Wonderful Product(s): Pomegranate Juice Concentrate, OU Pom X (Capsules), OU Pom X Pomegranate Extract Powder, OU --------------------------------------------- Proshyan Brandy Factory, LLC Armenia Brand Name: Proshyan- Tree of Life Product(s): Pomegranate Liqueur, OU Pomegranate Vodka, OU Semidry Pomegranate Wine, OU Semisweet Pomegranate Wine, OU --------------------------------------------- Sambazon, Inc. Clement, CA Brand Name: Sambazon Product(s): Amazon Energy- Acai Berry, OU --------------------------------------------- Sarpes Beverages, LLC Golden Beach, Fl Brand Name: Lullaby Product(s): Lemon- Shot, OU Snoozeberry- Shot, OU Brand Name: Dream Water Product(s): I Dream Of Kiwi, OU Lullaby Lemon, OU --------------------------------------------- Setton International Commack, NY Brand Name: Setton Product(s): Salted Green Peas, OU Wasabi Green Peas, OU Brand Name: Zaloom Product(s): Fried Salted Green Peas, OU Wasabi Coated Green Peas, OU --------------------------------------------- Shanghai Lvsheng Industry Co., Ltd. China Brand Name: Lvsheng Product(s): AD Apple, Ou AD Banana, Ou AD Blueberry, Ou AD Caraway, Ou AD Chives, Ou AD Green Beans AD Red Bell Pepper AD Spinach FD Apple FD Caraway FD Corn FD Pear FD Pineapple FD Pumpkin IQF Blueberry IQF Carrot IQF Strawberry --------------------------------------------- Solomar S.A. Chile Brand Name: ROKE Product(s): Natural Salmon, OU-Fish Natural Trout, OU-Fish --------------------------------------------- TN Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd. Thailand Brand Name: TNFC Product(s): Semi-Refined Tuna Oil, OU

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Canadian Recall: Western brand cream cheese products

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Liberté Natural Foods Ltd. are recalling the following Western brand cream cheese products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The following Cream Cheese products in variable weight packages, sold at deli counters or clerk-served between November 25 and December 4, 2009, are affected by this alert: Canadian Cream Cheese Spread Nacho Dip, Nachos with Dip, Nachos with Salsa Party Tray Sold in certain of the following stores in Ontario: Loblaw, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, Fortinos, Zehrs Plain Cream Cheese Sold in certain of the following stores in Ontario: Metro, 1050 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON Metro, 3090 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON Metro, 80 Front St. E, Toronto, ON Metro, 444 Yonge St., Toronto, ON Cream Cheese - Plain Sobey's, 9200 Bathurst St., Vaughan, ON Sobey's, 147 Laird Dr., Toronto, ON Sobey's, 1015 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON Sobey's, 710 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON Cream Cheese Leslieville Cheese Market, 891 Queen St. E, Toronto, ON Lana's Cream Cheese Daiter's Fresh Market, 3535 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON Cream Cheese Galati Market Fresh, 5845 Leslie St., Toronto, ON The CFIA is continuing its investigation to identify other retail locations where the affected Cream cheese may have been sold. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer if they are unsure whether the Cream Cheese product they have is affected. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a food borne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis. The manufacturer and various retailers are voluntarily recalling the affected cream cheese products from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

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Alerts from the cRc, KSA, and MK

From the cRc: Especially during this time of year, many companies come out with gift catalogues containing all sorts of foods from differentsuppliers. Many of these foods are shown to be under kosher certification, including the cRc. The products can not be guaranteed cRc certified unless the actual original factory unopened package bears the cRc logo. The mere mention of the cRc in the catalogue is not sufficient to determine the kosher status of the product. Rainbow Chip Crunch manufactured by Wilton bears a cRc – pareve – D logo. The label is a misprint and the product is indeed pareve. Banana Royale Ice Cream, located at 3575 NE 207th Street, Miami, FL is not presently or has ever been under the certification of the cRc. The following alert was sent out by the OK Labs in December of 2007, but it seems that the product has now resurfaced in certain areas of the US, including Chicago: "SWEET POTATO JULIENNE FRIES produced by ALEXIA FOODS, INC., Long Island City, NY has reformulated the product and it is now CERTIFIED AS KOSHER DAIRY. Future packaging has been corrected to bear the OK-D Symbol. All products bearing the plain OK logo are indeed Pareve." From the KSA: The KSA wishes to advise that the following products bearing the KSA were inadvertently produced with an unauthorized Grape Juice. Brand: Mott's Product: Fruitsations The following date codes are affected: BB/MA 2010 JN 26 A (or B) BB/MA 2010 JN 27 A (or B) BB/MA 2010 JN 28 A (or B) BB/MA 2010 JN 29 A (or B) BB/MA 2010 JN 30 A (or B) Any product produced before or after these date codes is permissible. From the Montreal Vaad: Kooll Desserts' Chocolate Fondant, Crème Brûlée and Crème Caramel bear an unauthorized MK symbol. These products are not kosher and should not be used. These products have been recalled. The Dizengoff Cafe & Dizengoff Kiosk situated in the YM-YWHA - 5500 WESTBURY, is no longer under supervision with immediate effect. We have recently examined YELLOW & RED PEPPERS and have found that there are many small insects/worms on the outside of these peppers, which look like dirt but with a bit more investigation one can see that these are live insects. We therefore wish to advise the following: a) The peppers should not be left on the table or counter prior to checking, but should be placed on a paper or plastic which can be thrown out. b) One should wash the whole pepper under a strong stream of water whilst brushing it or rubbing it vigorously. c) The bottom and top of the pepper should be cut out. d) Cut the pepper in 2 parts and once again wash the pieces under a strong stream of water, whilst, brushing them with a brush or vigorously washing the pepper with your fingers. We recommend to do the same with all other kinds of pepper, even though, no infestation has yet been found. We will continue to monitor the situation and continue checking and will inform the community should the situation change at any time.

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University of Maryland Medical Center and Bikur Cholim Open Kosher Hospitality Room

In a first for Baltimore, the University of Maryland Medical Center has set aside a room on the sixth floor to serve as a combination hospitality room and kosher pantry. Although available in other hospitals throughout the U.S., this much needed service has not been offered in the Baltimore area until now. The Kosher Pantry provides kosher food, within the hospital setting, for religious patients and their families. The pantry, located in a conference room, is equipped with a sink, microwave, and refrigerator. Bikur Cholim will regularly restock the room with kosher foods, including soup, bread, deli, and other packaged foods. Of course, there is also a ready supply of paper goods. A cot is available in the conference room for family members who need to remain in the hospital over Shabbos. The recent grand opening of the Kosher Pantry was attended by close to 100 members of the community, including numerous Rabbanim and lay leaders. Mr. Jeffrey Rivitz, President and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center, spoke on behalf of the Medical Center and acknowledged the many participants at this impressive gathering. Rabbi Moshe Hauer, Rav of Congregation Bnai Jacob-Shaarei Zion, expressed Bikur Cholim's appreciation to the hospital, Rabbi Ruth Smith, and the pastoral care department for their invaluable and gracious help in establishing this new and important service for the Baltimore Jewish community. For more information, please contact Tova Spiro 443-850-3688, Malki Isbee 410-764-6020, or Gitty Katz 410-358-2931. Source: Where What When

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Australia: New Kosher "Blue Bay" Cheese and Yoghurt products

Cheesy products get kosher tick by Dalia Sable With a “unique, distinctive, homemade freshness and quality”, Blue Bay soft cheeses, probiotic drinks and yoghurts are now available for kosher consumers. Made from high-quality, Mornington Peninsula pastures, a range of the company’s dairy products have been certified by Kosher Australia. In Blue Bay’s range of cheeses, the breakfast cheese, Blue Bay Brinza, marinated cow’s and goat’s fetta, goat’s chevre, ricotta and quark -– a soft, white cheese -– have all been certified. Yoghurts and other similar products with certification include buffalo yoghurt, goat and cow kefir and smetana, or light sour cream. More obscure products, including Prostokvasha -– traditional Russian, low-fat fermented milk -– and Ryazhanka -– fermented baked milk traditionally from the Ukraine -– have also received kosher certification. The strong Eastern-European influence in the products comes from the makers, Andriy and Taras Kogut. The identical twin brothers are originally from the Ukraine, immigrating to Australia five years ago and naming their product after the colour of the Victorian bay. Growing up in a simple, agricultural society, the brothers use old-fashioned production styles with no preservatives or additives and describe their product as “authentic peasant style”. The Blue Bay kosher range of products is available from kosher delicatessens in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as at farmers markets. Source: Australian Jewish News

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Recall (Canada): Slim-Fast Ready-To-Drink Meal Replacement Shake Products

Unilever Canada Inc. has informed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that they are recalling certain Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products distributed in Canada. Unilever Canada Inc. is warning the public not to consume Slim-Fast ready-to drink meal replacement shake products described below because these products may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus. All lot codes and Best-By dates of the following Slim-Fast RTD (ready-to-drink) products are affected by this alert: Slim-Fast Strawberry RTD Shake (4 x 6 x 325 mL) Case of six cans - 6 x 325 mL, UPC: 0 68400 20042 0 Single serve can - 325 mL, UPC: 0 68400 20043 7 Slim-Fast Chocolatey Royale RTD Shake (4 x 6 x 325 mL) Case of six cans - 6 x 325 mL, UPC: 0 68400 20110 6 Single serve can - 325 mL, UPC: 0 68400 20220 2 Slim-Fast French Vanilla RTD Shake (4 x 6 x 325 mL) Case of six cans - 6 x 325 mL, UPC: 0 68400 20120 5 Single serve can - 325 mL, UPC: 0 68400 20230 1 Slim-Fast Cappuccino RTD Shake (4 x 6 x 325 mL) Case of six cans - 6 x 325 mL, UPC: 0 68400 36400 9 Single serve can - 325 mL , UPC: 0 68400 36251 7 These products have been distributed nationally. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. Food contaminated with Bacillus cereus may not look or smell spoiled. The symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning can include vomiting or diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and pain and may occur between 30 minutes and 15 hours after consuming the contaminated product. Infants, children and pregnant women are susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhoea. Unilever Canada Inc. is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The CFIA will be conducting a food safety investigation and monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers: Unilever Consumer Services Center at 1-800-896-9479 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time); CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

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Tootsie Roll Goes Kosher

ORTHODOX UNION APPROVES PLACEMENT OF KOSHER SYMBOL ON PACKAGE OF TOOTSIE ROLL INDUSTRIES CANDY Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. today announced that Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Fruit Rolls, Frooties and DOTS have become kosher-certified by the Orthodox Union, the world’s largest kosher certification agency. New packaging bearing the “OU” symbol will be distributed nationwide beginning in the next few weeks. “We take great pride in producing wholesome confectionery products with fresh ingredients of the highest quality. This will bring our iconic brands to an entirely new consumer base that can now enjoy our products,” said Ellen Gordon, President, Tootsie Roll Industries. The OU rigorously monitors of all aspects of production. It supervises the process by which the food is prepared, examines the ingredients used to make the food, and regularly inspects the processing facilities to make sure that its standards are met. “We are very pleased to have Tootsie Roll join with other leading confectionery producers who have attained OU certification in recent years. It was also gratifying for OU to guide Tootsie Roll through the certification process and bring these famous candies to the growing kosher market place,” said Rabbi Eliyahu Safran, OU Kosher’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “It was rewarding for OU Kosher’s team, headed by Rabbis Dovid Jenkins and Abraham Juravel, as well as Phyllis Koegel, OU Marketing Associate, to corroborate with Tootsie Roll’s team and bring the much sought after Tootsie Roll products to an ever-growing kosher market place.” ### About Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. is one of the country's largest candy companies, headquartered in Chicago with operations in Massachusetts, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Mexico and Toronto. In its 112th year, the company produces more than sixty-four million Tootsie Rolls per day and is considered the world's largest lollipop supplier. The company sells many well-known branded products including Tootsie Roll, Tootsie Roll Pops, Tootsie Pop Drops, Caramel Apple Pops, Child’s Play, Charms, Blow Pop, Blue Razz, Cella’s chocolate covered cherries, Mason Dots, Mason Crows, Junior Mints, Charleston Chew, Sugar Daddy, Sugar Babies, Andes, Fluffy Stuff cotton candy, Dubble Bubble, Razzles, Cry Baby, Nik-L-Nip and EI Bubble. For more information about the Company, see the Company’s website on the Internet at: http://www.tootsie.com. About The Orthodox Union The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of North America and beyond, represents the fastest growing segment in Jewish life. The OU is a world leader in community and synagogue services, adult education, youth work through NCSY, political action through the IPA (Institute of Public Affairs), and advocacy for persons with disabilities through Yachad and Our Way. Its kosher certification label, the OU, is the world's most recognized kosher symbol and can be found on over 400,000 products manufactured in 80 countries around the globe.

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