Kashrus Alert: Bell Peppers from Israel
BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL are now being sold locally at Meijer. Sunset loose red bell peppers bear a sticker that states Israel, and Sunset Organic Sweet Bell Peppers (2 count package of yellow and red, or orange and red) state Product of Israel on the package. These products have the status of Shemittah, and should not be purchased. If already purchased, consult your Rav.
Consumers should always be careful when buying produce to check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin, due to issues of Shemittah, or of Terumos and Maaseros if it is not Shemittah product. Some additional examples of Israeli produce commonly found in the U.S. include tomatoes, citrus fruit, persimmons, pomelos, dates and parsley.