SOME LIQUOR COMPANIES ARE JEWISH OWNED and do not sell their chometz, and their products, including a number of varieties of American Whiskey, Canadian Whisky, Bourbon, Rye and Scotch, are therefore not permitted due to chometz she’ovar olov haPesach. An extensive list is available on the cRc [Chicago Rabbinical Council] website at https://www.crcweb.org/LiquorList.pdf . Following are a few examples of common liquors on that list (see details there):

Trader Joe’s – Kentucky Bourbon Straight Whiskey

Kirkland Signature – Barton 1792 Master Distillers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey  

Buffalo Trace – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Unflavored

Royal Canadian – Unflavored

New Riff – Bourbon, Rye

REPACKAGED MEAT AND POULTRY: When purchasing meat and poultry, be sure to check that the original packaging and labeling from the Kosher supplier are intact. Recently at a Costco store, next to the Empire Kosher chickens that were in their original packaging, there were other packages that were marked as Kosher on the Costco label, but were not in their original Empire packaging. Following is the OU’s response to this:

Please be advised that the OU can only stand behind product sealed in its original packaging. Any product which has been opened or repackaged should not be assumed kosher. Even if the original packaging was presented alongside the repackaged, the OU would recommend that it not be accepted.

If the Costco store chose to declare the product kosher, this is their own claim. The OU would not corroborate that.

ANISAKIS WORMS IN FISH: The Halachic status of anisakis worms that are found in the flesh of many types of fish, is a matter of much dispute among the Poskim. Many American Kashrus certifications, including the Vaad Harabbonim / Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit, allow these fish. Consult your Rav for guidance. For those who wish to avoid this issue, a list that details which types of fish are affected is available on the COR website at https://cordetroit.com/k-cor/lists-and-guides/  

COUNTRYSIDE CREAMERY “TASTES LIKE BUTTER!” 40% VEGETABLE OIL SPREAD and  COUNTRYSIDE CREAMERY “COUNTRY RECIPE HOMESTYLE SPREAD” 40% VEGETABLE OIL SPREAD sold at Aldi – Clarification from the OU: These products in rectangular containers that bear a plain OU and do not list dairy ingredients are pareve. – Please note that different versions of these products with an OU-D are available in some regions, and they may contain dairy.

BAKER’S CORNER KETO ALL-PURPOSE BAKING MIX sold at Aldi contains milk ingredients, but mistakenly bears a plain    Kof-K symbol without the Dairy designation.

BURMAN’S YELLOW MUSTARD sold at Aldi is made in two versions. The “Classic” version, which is currently being sold locally, does not bear Kashrus certification. The “Traditional” version, which may be available in some regions, bears an OU. Check each container carefully.

KLEIN’S NATURALS DRIED MANGO  in  25 lb. cases with Lot # 005,  10 lb. cases with Lot # 306968, and  2.5 lb. bags with Lot # C284, have been found to be infested and should not be used. Klein’s retail size bags were checked and found to be free of infestation.

YAMA MOTO YAMA ORIGINAL ROASTED SUSHI NORI SEAWEED – 30 sheet bags with Kof-K symbol: The Kof-K has announced that additional inspection for infestation is required for the following “Best Before” codes (located on the back of the bag): 07 02 2023 A ,  21 01 2023 A ,  and 25 01 2023 A .  [Note: Checking nori is difficult and is not recommended for the average untrained consumer.]

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR AN UNAUTHORIZED KOSHER SYMBOL:

• SKY KOSHER EVENTS featured an unauthorized OU symbol on some marketing materials for “Passover in Dubai”. 
• GRUBHUB.COM, SEAMLESS.COM and associated mobile apps are displaying an unauthorized OK Kosher symbol.

ALEIA’S GLUTEN FREE FOODS: EarthKosher Kosher Certification has announced that effective immediately, all Gluten Free baked goods produced by Aleia’s Gluten Free Bakery in Branford CT, should not be used even when bearing the EarthKosher symbol.

PRODUCT RECALLS

SIMILAC, ELECARE AND ALIMENTUM POWDER INFANT FORMULAS manufactured in Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan plant, and sold in many countries, including Israel, have been recalled due to potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport, which can cause severe, life-threatening infections in infants. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigation-cronobacter-and-salmonella-complaints-powdered-infant-formula-february-2022  or 800-986-8540.

ROYAL ICE CREAM, GIFFORD’S and other brands of ice cream products that bear manufacturing plant number “CT#121” have been recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/royal-ice-cream-company-inc-expands-recall-all-products-within-expiry-because-possible-health-risk  or 860-649-5358.

POMEGRANATES FROM ISRAEL are being sold in the U.S., and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. (They are not Shemitah produce at this time, and will not be until July 2022.) Check the sticker or original case for the country of origin.  –  We have reason to believe that the pomegranates currently being sold at Westborn Market in Berkley, that do not list any country of origin on their stickers, are from Israel.

GREENFIELD NOODLE CO. has exhausted its stock of Yoshon flour, and is now using Chodosh flour. Chodosh product will not state “Yoshon” next to the expiration date.

LAFFY TAFFY LAFF BITES: Although most Laffy Taffy candies are OU certified, Laffy Taffy Laff Bites contain gelatin and are not OU certified, and do not bear an OU symbol. A Candy Favorites website that lists them as Kosher is incorrect.

ONLINE SHOPPING REMINDER: When shopping online for grocery delivery or curbside pickup, be sure to check the actual label on each item when the order is received. This is essential because many online descriptions or pictures give inaccurate or outdated information regarding the product’s Kosher status. In addition, the store may substitute non-Kosher or non-approved products if the requested item is not available.

One recent example: Member’s Mark California Almonds Roasted with Sea Salt (oil roasted) from Sam’s Club is still pictured online with an OU symbol, but the actual product currently does not bear an OU. 

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR AN UNAUTHORIZED KOSHER SYMBOL:

• PS SEASONING ROASTED GARLIC CREAMY POTATO SOUP MIX bears an unauthorized KSW symbol [Kosher Supervisors of Wisconsin / Wisconsin Kosher] and contains a non-Kosher ingredient.
• SPIRITLESS KENTUCKY 74 – The OU does not certify Spiritless Kentucky 74 beverages or any products made by Spiritless.  Some of their marketing materials bear an unauthorized OU symbol. 

BLACKBURN’S JELLIES – Notice from the cRc: Due to Kosher violations, Blackburn’s Grape Jelly and other jelly/jam products produced by T J Blackburn Syrup Works, Inc., Jefferson, TX, are no longer certified and are being recalled. Products with an expiration date of 3-25-23 and later should not be treated as Kosher even when bearing a cRc or Texas-K (a cRc subsidiary) Kosher symbol.

VILLA CAPE WINES 

• Villa Cape 2018 vintage wines which have the importer’s name on the label listed as “Israco International Food Brands Marketing Ltd” bear an unauthorized OK symbol. (The Villa Cape 2018 wines with an OK that do not list “Israco…”  are certified.)
• Villa Cape 2021 vintage wines bear an unauthorized OK symbol – OK Kosher did not certify any productions in 2021.

MISSING DAIRY DESIGNATION: The following Kosher certified products contain dairy ingredients, but are not labeled correctly as Dairy:

• COUNTRYSIDE CREAMERY “TASTES LIKE BUTTER!” VEGETABLE OIL SPREAD sold at Aldi mistakenly bears a plain OU symbol without the D on some containers.
• GREAT VALUE RICOTTA CHEESE sold at Walmart mistakenly bears a plain OU symbol without the D on some containers.

WELLSLEY FARMS MINI CINNAMON ROLLS sold at BJ’s – Update from the OU: The correct status of this product is DE [dairy equipment]. The label mistakenly bears only a plain OU.  

BARLEY CHECKING REMINDER: There have been several reports recently of insects found in Gefen Pearl Barley. Many Kashrus agencies recommend that all barley (and in particular Yoshon brands) be checked prior to use. Following are two options for checking:

Soaking Method:

1. Place all the barley you wish to use in a white bowl, and fill the bowl with water, a few inches over the top of the barley.
2. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. If insects are present, they will float to the top. If any do, repeat the process, and if no more are then found, the barley may be used.

 Plate Method:

1. Place a small pile of barley – about two ounces at a time – on a white paper plate (not plastic, which creates a shine) with good overhead light that illuminates the plate. 
2. Use a finger or a fork to drag a small amount of barley away from the pile, spreading that barley in a single layer. Visually inspect the spread-apart barley, looking for webbing, black insects and white or tan worms between or under the kernels. 
3. Repeat this until the entire pile has been checked. Then do the same for the rest of the barley in the package. 

BROWN RICE CHECKING REMINDER from Star-K: There are reports in a number of cities that infestation is being found in brown rice. Star-K recommends checking brown rice for insects prior to use, as follows:

1. Place the brown rice (no more than 16 oz. at a time) in a mesh strainer. Mesh size should ideally be #12 mesh or larger.
2. Shake the brown rice over a lightbox or white paper for 25-30 seconds.
3. Examine the surface of the lightbox or paper for any insect presence. If no insects are found, the brown rice may be used. If any insects are found, the brown rice should not be used.

CASHEWS notice from OK: The OK Kosher Tolaim Committee has been finding insects and worms in cashews. Consumers should split them open and make a cursory inspection, especially when holes are visible.

SPRITE WINTER SPICED CRANBERRY Limited Edition and SPRITE GINGER sodas, in both regular and Zero Sugar varieties, are Kosher, and bear the OU symbol on the bottle cap or engraved into the can lid.

KRONOS CLASSIC HUMMUS is certified cRc Pareve and is labeled correctly on the individual 4 lb. tubs. The outer cases that state Dairy are outdated and are being used up.

OLITALIA  ITALIAN COLLECTION, currently being sold at Sam’s Club as a Limited Time item, contains a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with an OU, and a bottle of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena with no Kosher marking. The vinegar contains grape must and wine vinegar, and is not Kosher. The OU symbol on the outer display case refers only to the olive oil.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR AN UNAUTHORIZED KOSHER SYMBOL:

• Various FURTHER FOOD COLLAGEN [animal] products bear an unauthorized OK symbol.
• AMBROSIA BOVINE [animal] COLLAGEN POWDER bears an unauthorized OK symbol
• Various FLORAJEN PROBIOTICS products bear an unauthorized OK symbol.
• KOLIKOF BOWFIN CAVIAR bears an unauthorized Star-K symbol.
• BUCKY BADGER POPCORN products bear an unauthorized KSW symbol [Kosher Supervisors of Wisconsin / Wisconsin Kosher].
• WILDLY ORGANIC / WILDERNESS FAMILY NATURALS GOJI BERRIES mistakenly bear the EarthKosher symbol on some packaging. [Note: All brands of Goji Berries should be avoided, due to serious infestation issues.]

THE FOLLOWING KOSHER CERTIFIED PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS, but are not labeled correctly as Dairy:

• WELLSLEY FARMS MINI CINNAMON ROLLS sold at BJ’s – contains milk, but mistakenly bears a plain OU symbol without the D.
• 7-SELECT CHOCOLATE PUDDING and 7-SELECT VANILLA PUDDING sold at 7-Eleven contain milk and cream, but mistakenly bear a plain OU symbol without the D.

 PRODUCT RECALLS

COCA-COLA and SPRITE in 12 oz. cans with specific date codes on the bottom of the can [Coca-Cola: AUG1522WMB and AUG1522WMC; Sprite: AUG1522WMB] have been recalled due to the potential presence of foreign matter. These products were distributed in the Southeastern states. Details are available at https://www.commissaries.com/our-agency/newsroom/news-releases/coca-cola-recalls-coca-cola-and-sprite12-oz-cans-due-potential   or 800-438-2653.

DOLE SALADS RECALL:  Dole has recalled all Dole branded and private label salads produced at its Bessemer City, NC and Yuma, AZ processing facilities due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  These products bear either the letter N or Y in the beginning of the code below the Use By date, and will have a “Best if Used By” date between November 30, 2021, and January 8, 2022. This includes various iceberg/ Garden Salad and coleslaw products bearing OK certification under the following brand names: DOLE, KROGER, LITTLE SALAD BAR [Aldi], MARKETSIDE [Walmart], LIDL, and AHOLD. (Also Dole Shredded Carrots.) Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-fresh-vegetables-announces-voluntary-recall-salads-processed-its-bessemer-city-nc-and-yuma-az?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  or 800-356-3111.

FRESH EXPRESS SALADS RECALL: Fresh Express is recalling Fresh Express branded and private label salads produced at its Streamwood, Illinois facility due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  These products bear the letter Z in the beginning of the code below the Use By date. The recall includes all Use By dates with product codes Z324 through Z350, and includes various iceberg/ Garden Salad and coleslaw products bearing Star-K certification under the following brand names: FRESH EXPRESS, LITTLE SALAD BAR [Aldi], MARKETSIDE [Walmart], GIANT EAGLE, and SIGNATURE FARMS [Jewel-Osco]. Details are available at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fresh-express-announces-recall-of-fresh-salad-products-due-to-potential-health-risk-301448686.html  or 800- 242-5472.

   [NOTE: Little Salad Bar and Marketside salads that bear an OK Kosher symbol (as in the local Detroit area) are produced by Dole. In some areas they are produced by Fresh Express and bear a Star-K.]

BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL (red, yellow and orange) will soon begin appearing in U.S. stores, and should not be purchased due to Shemitah restrictions. (If already purchased, consult your Rav.) Carefully check the fine print on the package, or the sticker on peppers sold loose, for the country of origin. Often the same brand has some peppers from Israel and some from other locations, so each individual package or pepper should be checked.

Whenever buying produce, one should be careful to check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin, due to issues of Shemitah, or of Terumos and Maaseros if it is not Shemitah product.  Some additional examples of Israeli produce commonly found in the U.S. include tomatoes, carrots, citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, clementines  and pomelos), persimmons (“Sharon Fruit”), pomegranates, mangos, dates, dill and parsley.

IMPERIAL VEGETABLE OIL SPREADS in several varieties have recently changed from dairy [OU-D] to pareve [plain OU]. Check each package carefully. 1 lb. packages of sticks that bear a plain OU on the outer package are pareve, even though the inner wrappers still state OU-D; the wrappers will be updated.

GREAT VALUE DICED PEACHES IN 100% JUICE at Walmart bears an OU on the 4 Packs and contain Kosher grape juice. The 12 Packs, however, no longer bear an OU and are not acceptable, even though their online pictures still show an OU symbol.

Some cans of BORRELLI PIZZA SAUCE with no Kashrus certification were mistakenly sold recently at The Grove      [One Stop]. They should not be used. Other cans of Borrelli Pizza Sauce bear an OU symbol, but the OU has thus far not confirmed their Kosher status, and the OU symbol may be unauthorized.

[Updated information from Kof-K:]  HECKERS and CERESOTA ALL PURPOSE FLOURS  which contain “NT” in the code are milled from Yoshon winter wheat in a facility that handles only winter wheat. (For those makpid on malt in flour, malt may be Chodosh as of Dec 15, which corresponds to a “Best If Used By” date of June 15 23.)

TUMS PRODUCTS:

• Only those Tums products that bear a Kosher symbol are acceptable. Most of the certified products state Pareve beneath the symbol; however, Tums Chewy Delights contains milk and is marked as Dairy.
• Some containers of Tums Assorted Berries Extra Strength 750 and Tums Assorted Fruit Extra Strength 750 are now being made by non-certified manufacturers, and do not bear a Kosher symbol. Check each container.
• Tums Naturals Black Cherry & Watermelon variety contains carmine color, which is made from non-Kosher cochineal beetles, and therefore bears no Kosher marking.
• Tums Chewy Bites are not certified and bear no Kosher marking.

 PRODUCT RECALLS

Specific COUNTRY TIME LEMONADE, KOOL-AID, TANG, and ARIZONA HALF & HALF powdered drink mixes have been recalled due to the potential presence of very small pieces of metal or glass. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kraft-heinz-voluntarily-recalls-select-country-time-lemonade-tang-arizona-tea-powdered-beverages-and  or 855-713-9237.

TASTYKAKE CUPCAKES and KRIMPETS with specific “Enjoy By” dates have been recalled due to the potential presence of tiny fragments of metal mesh wire. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/amended-flowers-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-tastykake-products-due-possible-presence-tiny  or 866-245-8921.

ONLINE SHOPPING: When shopping online for grocery delivery or curbside pickup, be sure to check the actual label on each item when the order is received. This is essential because many online descriptions or pictures give inaccurate or outdated information regarding the product’s Kosher status. In addition, the store may substitute non-Kosher or non-approved products if the requested item is not available.

One recent example: Kroger Hearty Vegetable Ready To Serve Soup in an 18.8 oz. can is still pictured online with an OU symbol, but the actual product does not bear an OU. In fact, this product lost its Kosher status over a year ago, but the picture has not been updated.

SNAPPLE DRINKS: Not all Snapple drinks are Kosher, and not all of the Kosher varieties are pareve. Always check each bottle or can for the OK symbol, plus for its pareve / dairy status. [A plain OK symbol indicates pareve;     OK-D = dairy;  OK-DE = dairy equipment.] Care should also be taken when purchasing variety packs, which may contain a mixture of Kosher and non-Kosher varieties.

Following are current examples of non-Kosher and dairy or DE varieties. However, please be aware that this list is not necessarily complete, as the manufacturer can at any time introduce additional flavors, or reformulate existing ones.

  NON-KOSHER:      

• Black Cherry Lemonade
• Cranberry Raspberry – reg, and Diet
• Grape
• Grapeade
• Fruit Punch
• Mixed Berry
• “Name The Flav!” Mystery Flavor
• Any other variety listing grape juice

  DAIRY [D]:  Go Bananas (contains milk and cream)                        DAIRY EQUIPMENT [DE]: Many items in cans

NATURAL EARTH SUSHI BROWN RICE in bags has recently been found in the East to be seriously infested with insects (including some inside the rice grains), and is not recommended at this time. In general, it is recommended that all brands of brown rice be checked before using, particularly in the Northeast U.S.

HECKERS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR is milled from Yoshon winter wheat in a facility that handles only winter wheat. (For those makpid on malt in flour, probable Chodosh date for malt is Dec 15 / “Best If Used By” date of June 15 23.) [Sources: Kof-K, Guide to Chodosh]

TERRA VEGETABLE CHIPS were in the past certified by the Kof-K as Bishul Yisroel. Effective immediately, they are no longer Bishul Yisroel, but their Kosher certification continues, based on the Poskim who rule that chips do not require Bishul Yisroel. Bags which either have the “Bishul Yisroel” declaration or are marked (after the Best Before date) with a Julian date of 295 or earlier, may still be considered Bishul Yisroel.

[Note: Some Terra Chips varieties contain milk and are marked Kof-K Dairy; e.g., Mediterranean, Sweets & Apples, and Tropical.]

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT BROCCOLI CRUSTS is Kosher and Pareve, as stated on the front of the package. Some packages mistakenly list Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese in the ingredients. [Note: Dare To Be Different Broccoli Crust Pizza  of course is dairy, and is correctly marked.]

COUNTRY CROCK SPREADS have OU certification on many, but not all, of their products. Check each item for the OU or OU-D symbol.

TAPATIO RAMEN NOODLE SOUPS are available in two sizes. Those in 3.7 oz. bowls are not Kosher and do not bear an OU. Those in 2.29 oz. cups were in the past OU certified and bore the OU symbol. However, the OU is no longer certifying any Tapatio Ramen Noodle Soups, and newer cups therefore no longer bear the OU. Stores may have a mixture of OU and non-OU cups; check each cup carefully for the OU symbol.

KINDER’S SEASONINGS are no longer under Kof-K supervision; new containers therefore do not bear the Kof-K symbol. Containers that still bear the Kof-K were produced previously under supervision.

THE FOLLOWING KOSHER CERTIFIED PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS, but are not labeled correctly as Dairy:

• GREAT VALUE [Walmart] KETTLE COOKED SALT & VINEGAR POTATO CHIPS [revised OU alert] – contains lactose, but mistakenly bears a plain OU symbol without the D. [Note: Great Value Classic Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips is pareve and correctly bears a plain OU.]
• SWEET DELISH! TASTY DONUT BITES from Weston Foods [Birthday Cake, Cookies & Cream, Powdered Sugar, Red Velvet] – mistakenly bear a plain Kof-K symbol without the D.
• KODIAK CAKES CORNBREAD MIX – some boxes mistakenly bear a plain OK symbol without the D.
• KETO AND CO SHORTBREAD KETO COOKIE MIX – some packages mistakenly bear a plain OU symbol without the D.
• LONGO’S BAKE YOUR OWN BUTTER CROISSANTS – mistakenly bear a plain COR (Canada) symbol without the D.
• COCONUT PRALINE PECANS distributed by Maple Ridge Farms is certified cRc Dairy. Some 5 oz. boxes contain an ingredient card that mistakenly says Pareve.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR AN UNAUTHORIZED KOSHER SYMBOL:

• GENERAL MILLS GOLDEN GRAHAMS S’MORES REMIX (contains gelatin) – some packages bear an unauthorized OU-D symbol.
• BOWL & BASKET CAULIFLOWER RICE [A ShopRite brand] bears an unauthorized MK (Montreal) symbol.
• DOLLY brand WHOLE KERNEL SWEET CORN in 15 oz. cans, distributed by RD Foods Americas and labeled Product of Thailand, bears an unauthorized Star-K symbol. (Those bearing a Star-K symbol and labeled Product of China are)
• GRAPE JUICE CONCENTRATES manufactured byColoma Frozen Foods bear an unauthorized cRc symbol.
• WEGMANS GLUTEN FREE BROWNIES – some labels bear an unauthorized OU symbol.
• WEGMANS CHEESE GLUTEN FREE TORTELLINI – some labels bear an unauthorized OU symbol.
• LONGO’S DOUBLE CREAM BRIE CHEESE bears an unauthorized Kof-K (D.E.) symbol.  This product is not Kosher certified (and is dairy).
• LEONARDO SWEETSROYAL BEE ICING DECORATION sold in Israel bears an unauthorized cRc symbol.
• EFT, INC. – Any products produced by EFT, Inc. that bear a KSA symbol, are fraudulent and unauthorized. This includes personal care and house care products.
• VITAMIN CODE RAW ANTIOXIDANTS distributed by Garden of Life of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, that bears an expiration date prior to September 1, 2022, contains a non-Kosher ingredient and is not Kosher, even when bearinga Star-K symbol.
• KERANIQUE KERAVIATIN HAIR & SCALP HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS bears an unauthorized Kof-K symbol.
• CASA MILO TRADITIONAL TARALLI – some labels bear an unauthorized OU symbol (contains wine).
• SPERRY’S RESTAURANT SEASONINGS – some labels bear an unauthorized OU symbol.