Heinz fails to satisfy Israeli norm for ketchup

THE Israel Health Ministry has removed Heinz ketchup from its list of condiments altogether, said the Times of Israel after third-party tests showed the product contains 21% tomato solids instead of the 61% that it claims. In Israel where the standard is 41% tomato concentrate, the popular brand will now be labeled as tomato seasoning.

The testing was conducted by “a leading European external laboratory” according to ketchup rival Osem in a letter it sent to retailers in January. Osem dominates Israel’s ketchup market, with Heinz product distributed locally by Diplomat, as second. Meanwhile Diplomat is appealing the Health Ministry to change its standards in order for Heinz to meet the criterion.