Posts Tagged ‘ ConAgra ’

Oy Vey: Hebrew National Hot Dogs Class Action Alleges Kosher Fraud

June 19th, 2012. By AbiK

Whoever heard of such a thing? Hebrew National hot dogs not kosher? Who knew?

Well, those are the allegations in the recently filed class action lawsuit against Hebrew National hot dog maker, ConAgra Foods Inc. that alleges negligence and violations of state consumer fraud laws.

Yes, that Hebrew National—as in the brand mostly responsible for bringing Orthodox Jewish dietary law to the grocery shopping masses with the tagline “we answer to a higher authority”. And, unlike matzo at Passover, those Hebrew National franks stayed in the refrigerated section all year long!

Seems a group of consumers don’t think Hebrew National should be overstaying their welcome on store shelves if they’re not going to be kosher law-abiding citizens.

The group of eleven plaintiffs allege that Hebrew National shouldn’t be labeling their hot dogs and other products as “kosher” (indicated by the “triangle K” symbol) because, according to the lawsuit, ConAgra’s meat processing service—provided by AER Services, Inc.— does not have meat processing services that meet the standards necessary for a product to be labeled “kosher”.

Kosher products can often times sell at premium prices—the video above gives an idea on what’s involved in making meat kosher—and that’s part of the plaintiffs’ beef in this class action as well. By labeling the Hebrew National hot dogs as “kosher”, ConAgra was allegedly able to charge a premium, thereby misleading consumers into paying more for their franks.

According to a report from Reuters, the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and an injunction against further mislabeling. They’re also seeking class action status for the lawsuit in which the Class would include U.S. purchasers of Hebrew National products over the last four years.

More to come…

Tags: AER Services, Class Action Lawsuit, ConAgra, Consumer Fraud, Hebrew National, Kosher Hot Dog Fraud
Posted in Class Action, Emerging Issues, lawsuits | 15 Comments »

Slim Jim Explosion: How Harmful is Ammonia?

June 10th, 2009. By admin

This week’s explosion at Con-Agra’s Garner, NC Slim Jim plant has ammonia in the spotlight—it’s used in their meat refrigeration process. As reports continue to show rescue workers suiting up in protective gear given the risks associated with ammonia exposure, it’s worth taking a look at just what is ammonia and how much of a risk does it pose when used commercially? 

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ammonia is a clear gas at room temperature—and it’s characterized by that powerfully pungent odor you’re familiar with from household cleaners (and that you know in an instant cannot be good for you). Under pressure, anhydrous ammonia becomes a liquid. Of note, the ammonia you find in household cleaners is typically at a concentration of about 5% to 10% (weight:volume) compared to as much as 25% or more for commercial use. 

More ammonia facts:

• The Department of Transport does not classify ammonia as a flammable substance, however, the ATSDR, OSHA and NIOSH all say that it should be treated as one.
  

  Tags: ConAgra, Slim Jim Plant Explosion
  Posted in Personal Injury | No Comments »