Lawsuit calls Hebrew National's kosher claims into question

OMAHA, Neb. — A class action lawsuit recently was filed against ConAgra Foods for claiming that its Hebrew National products are kosher, the company confirmed.

Hebrew National, a more-than-100-year-old brand known for its hot dogs and other packaged products, has touted kosher status since its establishment, ConAgra Foods said, who added that this lawsuit "is without merit."

"Hebrew National's kosher status is certified by a well-recognized and authorized third-party," ConAgra Foods said in a statement. "There is close rabbinical supervision of the food preparation process and packaging equipment. For more than 100 years, Hebrew National has followed strict dietary law, using only specific cuts of beef that meet the highest standards for quality, cleanliness, and safety with no by-products, artificial flavors, or artificial colors."

According to a recent Mintel research, more than one-quarter of new food and beverage products introduced in 2011 touted a kosher on-package claim.