We are aware of information circulating on social media platforms surrounding the status of Medjool dates sold under the Sofra brand name.

Allegations that this is a front for an Israeli company are unfounded and should be ignored.

We are currently carrying out a full investigation into Sofra, as well as several similar companies, but we can safely say from all the evidence gathered so far that Sofra is not a subsidiary of any Israeli company and its Medjool dates are sourced from Palestine and Jordan.

IHRC and Inminds have for many years led the Boycott Israeli Dates campaign in the UK. We have carried out several investigations in the past including of the Yaffa and Zaytoun brands and found that they are also not Israeli companies.

While we applaud the vigilance of consumers and campaigners we should be careful of pointing the finger at companies without conclusive evidence. The dissemination of false information only serves to damage the reputation of genuine brands and the farmers that supply them .

Please continue to be vigilant of dates which are clearly identified as Israeli or have packaging that does not identify the importer or distributor and features misleading symbols such as Palestine flags or Arabic script.

This is unlawful and should be reported to local trading standards.