Heinz Ketchup to Be Labeled “Tomato Seasoning” in Israel

Israel’s Ministry of Health has reportedly ruled that Heinz ketchup
can no longer be called “ketchup” because of its low tomato content.
Israeli food company Osem first targeted the product in January 2015 by sending a letter to supermarkets blasting the product and filing an
$18 million class action on behalf of consumers. Osem argued that lab
tests showed small bottles of Heinz ketchup contained 20 percent tomato
concentrate and large bottles just 17 percent—compared to the 39 percent
advertised on the bottle—despite Israeli regulations dictating that
ketchup must contain at least 35 percent tomato concentrate.

The health ministry agreed with Osem, finding that Heinz can no longer
call its product “ketchup” and must be labeled “tomato seasoning”
instead. The ruling does not affect Heinz’s English-language labels.
Heinz’s local importer, Diplomat, has filed a petition to lower the
minimum requirements from 10 percent tomato solids (the equivalent of
35 percent tomato concentrate) to 6 percent, which the health ministry
reportedly supports. See Haaretz, August 18, 2015.

Issue 578