Business Bites: A taste of what’s going on this week in the industry 11829

Burger King launches meatless chicken nuggets and plant-based burger in Israel 

Burger King was one of the first national fast-food chains to add a plant-based option to its menu in 2019—the Impossible Whopper—which quickly rose to fame. To continue its efforts to offer more plant-based options for vegans, flexitarians and carnivores alike, the chain’s Israeli franchise recently partnered with local startup Meat. The End (MTE) to launch new meatless chicken nuggets and plant-based burgers known as “Veggie Kings.” Founded in 2020, MTE is a new food technology startup that developed the plant-based items specifically for Burger King Israel. 

Former Kerry manager pleads guilty to 2008 salmonella poisoning outbreak 

Victims of a 2008 salmonella poisoning outbreak got some justice when a former Kerry manager pled guilty to his role. The former director of quality assurance (QA) oversaw the sanitation programs at various Kerry manufacturing plants, including one in Illinois that manufactured Kellogg’s Honey Smacks. The executive directed his employees not to report unsanitary conditions at the Illinois plant. More than 130 cases of salmonella were reported, but no deaths. He will be sentenced in January 2023. 

Foster Garvey previews SupplySide West/FiNA presentation 

Hillary H. Hughes, principal, Foster Garvey, is a trusted legal advisor to many brands in the food industry. She helps ensure that parties are legally protected in this emerging area of product innovation. In a new video interview with Sandy Almendarez, vice president of content, SupplySide, Hughes talks about the life of a food tech attorney and how she found herself in this area of work. 

Hammond’s Candies issues potentially life-threatening cookie recall 

Hammond’s Candies recently issued a recall for its salted caramel cookies, which might contain peanuts, according to the FDA. The ingredient isn’t listed on the label, turning the cookies into potentially fatal snacks for buyers who suffer from severe peanut allergies. Consumers who recently purchased the 5-ounce printed cardstock boxes of cookies, with UPC -6 91355 89889 5, were instructed to dispose of them or return them for a full refund. No illnesses have been reported to date. 

Frescos Naturals wins “Audience Choice” award at Expo East’s Pitch Slam 

Frescos Naturales founder Juan Ignacio Stewart won this year’s Audience Choice Award at Expo East’s Pitch Slam contest. Stewart, a Guatemalan immigrant, started with one sparkling, non-alcoholic beverage last year and ultimately ended up with six. Made with pure fruit juices like jamaica (dried hibiscus flowers), mango, and tamarind, Frescos Naturales combines Latin American culture and a  modern taste. Stewart’s pitch award was especially sweet because he also overcame financial hardship, a global pandemic, and his son’s rare bone cancer to achieve success.