2025-12-12 KosherGram PDF

BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL (red, yellow and orange) will soon begin appearing in U.S. stores, and require taking  of Terumos and Maaseros. Carefully check the fine print on the package, or the sticker on individual peppers, 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. Details of the tithing procedure can be found (courtesy  Star-K) at https://www.star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/KCSmall_Terumos.pdf [Note: A bracha is generally not recited,  due to the possibility that the tithing was already done in Eretz Yisroel.]  

Always be careful when buying produce to check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin.  Other 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.  

KORDAS’ brand BREADS, ROLLS AND BUNS from Metropolitan Baking Co. that bear K-COR certification [Council  of Orthodox Rabbis / Vaad Harabbonim of Greater Detroit] are currently NOT Pas Yisroel. An update will be  issued when their Pas Yisroel status resumes.  

JELLY BELLY PRODUCTS are Kosher only when bearing the OU symbol. Most retail-sized varieties sold in North  America, and all bulk Jelly Belly jelly beans sold in North America, are OU certified. However, due to the  termination of certification at an overseas plant, some items sold in the U.S. will not bear the OU, and there will  be a mixture in stores of older product with the OU symbol and newer product without. Check every item for the  OU symbol.  

ALDI frequently has multiple suppliers, or changes suppliers, for its store brands [private label] products, which  often results in a change of Kashrus status for those products. Even on the same shelf, there may be a mixture of  product with different statuses. Always check each individual package for proper Kashrus certification and pareve  / dairy status.  

Following are some current examples at Aldi:  

• BURMAN’S TOMATO KETCHUP in the Detroit area now again bears the OU symbol. Other regions may  differ. 

• MILLVILLE BRAN FLAKES, MILLVILLE KOOKIES and MILLVILLE COCOA PEANUT BUTTER PUFFS cereals bear  an OU in some areas (including Detroit currently, but this can change), and in some areas do not. • CLANCY’S KETTLE CHIPS – SEA SALT & VINEGAR: some bags bear a plain OU and are pareve; some bags,  product of Canada, bear OU-D and contain lactose, a dairy ingredient.  

CLANCY’S PRETZELS – MINI TWISTS and STICKS at Aldi, which used to have a plain OK symbol, now bear OK-D due  to dairy equipment, and should not be eaten together with meat. The OK advises that the status can change to  actual dairy at any time without notice, since the product is already approved as dairy, and the consumer should  therefore check with the OK office every few months to reconfirm the DE status. Also check the ingredients  listing.  

(Note: The same applies to Kroger and Great Value [Walmart] brands of pretzels that bear OK-D.)  

ALDI’s FRESH TUNA STEAKS and FRESH TILAPIA FILLETS are not acceptable because they do not have Kashrus  certification and are sold without skin / scales. 

CHEF’S QUALITY SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS [Restaurant Depot] that bears OU Pareve is correctly marked  and is pareve. An OU alert that stated otherwise was retracted.

 THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR UNAUTHORIZED KASHRUS MARKING on some labels or online images:  

• STARBURST ORIGINAL FRUIT CHEWS – unauthorized OU-D symbol on multi-pack of fun-size holiday  candies distributed in Canada. The remaining products in the pack – Twix, Snickers, and Skittles – are  correctly OU-D authorized.  

• ZOOMI CANDIES including Gushmello and any other varieties – unauthorized OU symbol. • URBANXTRACTS OLIO GUMMIES – unauthorized OU symbol. 

• ROOT GIVE ME BACK MY YOUTH SUPPLEMENTS – unauthorized OU symbol. 

• SUN Q brand CAULIFLOWER IN BRINE and MILD GIARDINIERA in jars – unauthorized Star-K symbol. • ROSOLINI COOKING SPRAY – BUTTER FLAVOR – unauthorized Star-K symbol. 

• RAWMIO ORGANIC RAW CHOCOLATE MINI TRUFFLE CAKE – unauthorized EarthKosher symbol.  

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS AND ARE CERTIFIED KOSHER DAIRY, but mistakenly  do not bear the D designation on some labels:  

• QUAKER CARAMEL MACCHIATO INSTANT OATMEAL [OU-D] 

• WET HYDRATION KIWI STRAWBERRY PROTEIN WATER [OU-D] 

• CIRCLE U FOODS DILL PICKLE SEASONING [cRc-D] 

• GOODLES VEGAN IS BELIEVIN’ – PLANT BASED WHITE CHEDDAR WITH SPIRALS may contain undisclosed  dairy ingredients in the following five lots and should be considered Kosher Dairy [OK-D]:  

09725 N (Best Buy Date: Jul-7-2026)   09825 N (Best Buy Date: Jul-8-2026)  

 09925 N (Best Buy Date: Jul-9-2026)   10025 N (Best Buy Date: Jul-10-2026)  

 10125 N (Best Buy Date: Jul-11-2026)  

PRODUCT RECALLS  

URGENT – All batches of BYHEART WHOLE NUTRITION INFANT FORMULA products,  including both cans and single serve “Anywhere” packets, have been recalled due to a  multistate outbreak of infant botulism illnesses linked to this formula. Details are available  at https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025 or 833-398-2022. 

GREAT VALUE [Walmart] PEAR HALVES in pear juice from concentrate and WEGMANS HALVED /  SLICED PEARS in Pear Juice from Concentrate in 15 oz. cans have been recalled due to high lead levels.  Details are available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=97563 

2025-10-5 KosherGram PDF

TRADER JOE’S BROOKLYN BABKA and HALF MOON COOKIES that bear OU Pareve are normally Pas Yisroel. However, this year due to changes in production schedules, Trader Joe’s Brooklyn Babkas and Half Moon Cookies whose packaging bear the following code dates are not Pas Yisroel: October 21, October 22, October 29, October 30, November 4, November 5, November 6, November 7, November 10, November 11, November 12. These dates will soon be in stores. All other Trader Joe’s Brooklyn Babkas and Half Moon Cookies are Pas Yisroel.  

(Although the Half Moon Cookies are not included in this year’s OU’s Pas Yisroel list, the OU has confirmed that they are the same status as the Babkas. An email response to a consumer that stated otherwise was incorrect.)

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR UNAUTHORIZED KASHRUS MARKING on some labels or online images:

• MCCORMICK PERFECT PINCH SALAD SUPREME SEASONING – unauthorized OU symbol on online images.
• PHO’NOMENAL JACKFRUIT CHIPS – unauthorized OU symbol.
• CARM’S FARM FRA DIAVOLO TOMATO SAUCES – unauthorized OU symbol.
• VITASIA KIMCHI [at Lidl] – unauthorized OK symbol on the lid. This product is not Kosher.
• GOLDEN CROWN YELLOW RICE WITH SAFFRON – unauthorized cRc symbol on online images. This product is not Kosher.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS AND ARE CERTIFIED KOSHER DAIRY. Some labels or online images mistakenly do not bear the D designation:

• BAKER’S TREAT [Aldi] APPLE CINNAMON MINI MUFFINS and PUMPKIN SPICE MINI MUFFINS [OU-D] (revised OU alert)
• MEMBER’S MARK [Sam’s Club] RANCH DRESSING AND DIP [cRc-D] – online images mistakenly state Pareve.

2025-8-13 KosherGram PDF

THE CHODOSH SEASON is starting. Those who want to purchase Yoshon items to store over the Chodosh season should do so now. Please note that all grain and flour products that will be stored should be refrigerated to avoid insect infestation.

According to the Kashrus Agencies, pasta products and durum / semolina flours are the first Chodosh products this season and will be in stores soon; stock up now. Updates are available at yoshon.com, and Email alerts can be requested at info@yoshonnetwork.org .

THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher-pareve (no symbol required):

• VERNORS BOSTON COOLER Limited Edition
• MOUNTAIN DEW INFINITE SWIRL

THE FOLLOWING NEW SLURPEE SYRUPS are Kosher and pareve (no symbol required). The label on the syrup box in the back of the 7-Eleven store must be checked to verify the brand and flavor, unless that particular store has store level Kashrus certification of its Slurpee machine(s):

• MOUNTAIN DEW INFINITE SWIRL FCB Limited Edition
• FANTA ZERO SUGAR DELICIOUS HIBISCUS & BERRY FCB

7-ELEVEN SLURPEES at 13 Mile & Greenfield are no longer certified by the K-COR/Vaad Harabbonim. 7-Eleven Slurpees at Lincoln & Greenfield [all three machines] and 11 Mile & Coolidge [only the left machine] remain certified. ICED COFFEES at Lincoln & Greenfield [Mocha Latte and French Vanilla Latte] are certified Dairy, not Cholov Yisroel.

DAVE’S SWEET TOOTH TOFFEE is no longer certified by the Council of Orthodox Rabbis / Vaad Harabbonim and is not acceptable, even when bearing the Council’s K-COR symbol, due to Kashrus violations. Corrective action is being implemented.

BIGGBY COFFEE in Lathrup Village is a non-Kosher establishment, as all Biggby locations. No products or equipment can be considered Kosher unless they are in their original sealed packaging bearing a reliable certification.

IDAHOAN “ORIGINAL MASHED POTATOES” does not bear an OU symbol on new boxes due to a printing error, but is still certified OU Pareve. 

CREPINI EGG WRAPS: Due to operational changes, new production of Crepini Egg Wraps is no longer Kof-K certified and will not bear the Kof-K symbol. Product currently in stores with the Kof-K symbol was produced before this change and is certified, and will bear a Lot Code of 300630 or lower.  

BEECH-NUT BABY FOODS are no longer OU certified, and do not bear the OU symbol. Older jars still bearing the OU are certified.

BASE CULTURE BREADS are no longer certified Kosher. Images on some websites (Amazon, Whole Foods) mistakenly still show the OU symbol.

MANISCHEWITZ CHOLOV YISROEL PRODUCTS: Many Manischewitz chocolate and cheese products are mistakenly listed on a website as Cholov Yisroel. Only Milk Chocolate Coated Matzo and regular Milk Chocolate Coins [not Crypto Gelt Coins] are Cholov Yisroel, when stated so on the label.

TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC FRENCH ROLLS and TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC FRENCH BAGUETTE that bear the MK symbol [Montreal] are both still Pas Yisroel. There has been no change.

KRONOS PITA with lot codes 5160 and 5167 are not Pas Yisroel despite the cRc / Pas Yisroel labeling on the packaging, due to an oven maintenance issue.

TUMS ANTACID PRODUCTS: 

• Only those Tums products that bear an OU or Diamond K symbol are acceptable. Some varieties are not certified and do not bear any symbol. In addition, some products are produced in both certified and non-certified plants, so that the same variety may bear a symbol on some containers and not on others. This can be found even in the same store. Carefully check each container.
• Most of the certified products are pareve as stated on the label. However, Tums Chewy Delights contains milk and bears a Diamond-K-D Dairy symbol.  [Not to be confused with Tums Chewy Bites, which is not certified.]

WISH-BONE DRESSINGS: Only those that bear the OU symbol are Kosher. Some varieties come in several versions, of which some are Kosher and some are not. Check each bottle carefully. Some current examples:

• THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING – Only the “No Sugar Added” version is OU certified. Regular and Light versions are not.
• ITALIAN DRESSINGS – several versions are Kosher, and several are not.

SWEET BABY RAY’S SAUCES: 

• Many varieties, but not all, are Kosher. Check each for the OU or OU-D symbol.
• SWEET BABY RAY’S BUFFALO BARBECUE SAUCE [“Buff-a-Cue”] currently contains milk, as listed in the ingredients, and bears an OU-D. This may change in the future to a pareve formula, and it will then bear a plain OU. A Kosher website mistakenly lists this presently as pareve, and some shopping sites mistakenly picture this with a plain OU.
• SWEET BABY RAY’S BUFFALO WING SAUCE in retail size bottles is pareve and bears a plain OU. In the 1.5 oz., 2 oz. and gallon Foodservice sizes it is dairy and bears OU-D.

MrBEAST FEASTIBLES CHOCOLATES recently received OU Dairy certification, and are Kosher only when bearing the OU-D symbol on the packaging. Stores now have a mixture of product with the OU-D and product without. Check each package.

“THE ONLY BEAN” CRUNCHY ROASTED EDAMAME BEANS SNACKS have OU certification for several varieties. The Wasabi Soy Sauce variety, however, is not OU certified and does not bear an OU, but it is included in a Variety Pack that bears an OU on the outer box. The OU symbol on the box refers only to the certified varieties that bear the OU on their individual packages. [Note that some websites, e.g. Amazon and Meijer, incorrectly picture the Wasabi variety with an OU.]

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS AND ARE CERTIFIED KOSHER DAIRY. Some labels mistakenly do not bear the D designation:

• ARIZONA WHIPPED PINEAPPLE ORANGE FRUIT JUICE COCKTAIL [OU-D]
• TOO GOOD GOURMET / GHIRARDELLI  COOKIES – Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Confetti [OU-D; missing D on front label]. (Sold locally at T. J. Maxx)

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR UNAUTHORIZED KASHRUS MARKING on some labels or images:

• MCCORMICK TARTAR SAUCE – unauthorized cRc symbol on images at online stores, e.g. Amazon and Walmart.
• RING POP GUMMY RINGS – unauthorized OU symbol. [Other Ring Pop items bearing the OU are authorized.]
• NUTSTOP brand LICORICE ALLSORTS – unauthorized cRc symbol. This product is not Kosher.
• HYSON PUFF PASTRY DOUGH SHEETS – unauthorized OU symbol.

PRODUCT RECALLS

SYSCO CLASSIC CHOCOLATE PUDDING and BAY VALLEY FOODS THANK YOU CHOCOLATE PUDDING in 7 lb. (#10) cans have been recalled due to post-processing container damage that may lead to microbial growth. Details are available at https://source86.com/treehouse-foods-recalls-chocolate-pudding-microbial-risk/  or 800-596-2903.

 MEMBER’S MARK [Sam’s Club] FREEZE DRIED FRUIT VARIETY PACK 15 count boxes have been recalled due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Details are available at  https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/doehler-dry-ingredient-solutions-llc-recalls-members-mark-freeze-dried-fruit-variety-pack-listeria?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  or 770-387-0451.

2025-2-12 KosherGram PDF

THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher-pareve and bear an OU on the bottle cap or engraved into the can lid:

• COCA-COLA ORANGE CREAM – regular and Zero Sugar
• SPRITE VANILLA FROST SODA  Limited Edition 

THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher-pareve (no symbol required):

• PEPSI WILD CHERRY & CREAM – regular and Zero Sugar
• DR PEPPER BLACKBERRY – regular and Zero Sugar

AM FRESH NORTH AMERICA GRAPEFRUIT sold at Costco are produce of Israel as stated on the plastic bag closures (and on the cases – “Jaffa / Mehadrin – Israel”), and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros.

POMEGRANATES FROM ISRAEL are available in U.S. stores, and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. Consumers should check the stickers on the individual fruit, or the original cases, for the country of origin. Pomegranates from most countries list the country name on the sticker; those that do not are very likely from Israel, and their original case must be checked in the store.

CAROUSEL’S SOFT SERVE ICERY, despite a Kosher symbol and “Kosher” claims on its website and trucks, does not have Kashrus certification of its stores or trucks. While the company may purchase a number of Kosher certified products, their certifications apply only to the products in their original sealed packaging bearing Kosher marking. There is no supervision at the store or truck level to guarantee the Kashrus of the product in the soft serve machines, or of the repackaged or loose products. 

IDAHOAN “ORIGINAL MASHED POTATOES” does not bear an OU symbol on new boxes due to a printing error, but is still certified OU Pareve. 

RICOLA THROAT DROPS: The following varieties, only when sold in bags or boxes, are recommended by the cRc [Chicago Rabbinical Council]. No marking is required. They are not recommended when sold in stick-packs.

• Original (Natural) Herb
• Honey Herb
• Lemon Mint
• Lemon Mint – Sugar Free

GREAT VALUE TACO SHELLS [Walmart] no longer bear the Kof-K symbol and are not certified, although online pictures may still show the symbol.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE CERTIFIED KOSHER DAIRY. Some labels mistakenly do not bear the D designation:

• CASA DE COCOA DARK and MILK CHOCOLATE COVERED ALMONDS [OU-D]
• ROLD GOLD AUNTIE ANNE’S CINNAMON SUGAR FLAVORED PRETZEL TWISTS [OU-D]
• MOMMY KNOWS BEST LACTATION COOKIES [cRc-D]
• PURATOS CHOCOLANTÉ DARK CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS [cRc-D]
• BANG COOKIES [OK-D]

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR UNAUTHORIZED KASHRUS MARKING on some labels:

• Various GUMMY CANDIES from DURHAM PECAN CO. sold at Food Lion – unauthorized Kof-K symbol. These items are not Kosher. Flavors include Summer Freedom Bears, Summer Freedom Rings and Sherbert Gummi Ice Pops.
• TERRA VITA OIL PRODUCTS – unauthorized OU symbol.
• OSMO CHICKEN & HERBS SALT – unauthorized OU symbol.
• HAPPY DAY WHEY PROTEIN – unauthorized OU symbol.
• NULU BOURBON WHISKEY – unauthorized cRc symbol on sticker.
• NUDA TEQUILA – all products – unauthorized OK symbol.
• CUCINA VIVA frozen QUARTERED ARTICHOKE HEARTS – unauthorized Star-K symbol. The Star-K does not certify artichoke hearts due to insect infestation.
• LOCAL ROOTS KOMBUCHA Tea products – unauthorized EarthKosher symbol.
• HIGHVIBE MUSHROOMS products – unauthorized EarthKosher symbol.

PRODUCT RECALLS and WARNINGS

NUGO DARK CHOCOLATE CHIP and NUGO DARK CHOCOLATE PRETZEL PROTEIN BARS, certified OU Pareve, have been recalled due to the presence of undeclared milk, which poses a serious health risk for consumers with dairy allergies or severe sensitivities. Details are available at        https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lifestyle-evolution-voluntarily-recalls-nugo-dark-chocolate-chip-and-nugo-dark-pretzel-due or 888-421-2032. According to the OU, the small amount of milk is an allergen concern, but does not affect the Kashrus status.

TRADER JOE’S, GENOVA, VAN CAMP’S and H-E-B brands of CANNED TUNA PRODUCTS have been recalled due to possible contamination with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Details are available at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tri-union-seafoods-issues-recall-of-select-genova-van-camps-h-e-b-and-trader-joes-tuna-cans-due-to-clostridium-botulinum-risk-302371717.html or 833-374-0171.

CPSC warning: HAIYEATBNB ELECTRIC IMMERSION WATER HEATERS sold on Amazon pose a risk of serious injury and death due to fire and burn hazards. Details are available at https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2025/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-HAIYEATBNB-Electric-Immersion-Water-Heaters-Sold-on-Amazon-com-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-and-Death 

2024-11-11 Kashrus Alert

The Grove [Detroit] Dark Chocolate Bridge Mix sold in the last two weeks is labeled as pareve, but mistakenly contains dairy (non-Cholov Yisroel) items. These packages can be identified by a mixture of lighter and darker colored items, and should be returned to the store for a full refund.

2024-9-27 KosherGram PDF

PAS YISROEL: The K-COR wishes to remind consumers of the accepted custom to be stringent on Pas Yisroel during Aseres Yemei T’shuva. Please be advised that many K-COR certified establishments produce or sell some bread and cake products that are not Pas Yisroel. Please ask the Mashgiach or call the K-COR office for details regarding specific establishments. 

• The following establishments are totally Pas Yisroel: BAKE STATION, DAKOTA BREAD COMPANY, ZEMAN’S, JERUSALEM PIZZA, PIZZA STOP, ESS IN, PRIME 10, SPREADS BAGELS & CAFÉ, SOUL CAFÉ RESTAURANT, KAPLAN CAKES, SAY CHEESE, SUGAR & CRUST and YODELS ‘N MORE.  At THE GROVE FRESH BAKERY dept., all items that are sold loose, or repackaged with a Grove label, are Pas Yisroel.

• KORDAS’ BREADS, ROLLS, AND BUNS from Metropolitan Baking Co. that bear the K-COR symbol are Pas  Yisroel*. Note that Kordas’ Greek Style Pita Bread and Kordas’ English Muffins are not K-COR certified.

[NOTE: Milano Bakery bread and rolls with the K-COR symbol are not Pas Yisroel.]

• SIMPLY NATURE KNOCK YOUR SPROUTS OFF SPROUTED 7 GRAIN BREAD at Aldi with an OK symbol is Pas Yisroel*. However, bags that bear an OU or Kosher Check symbol are not Pas Yisroel.

• SPECIALLY SELECTED brand SMALL BATCH SOURDOUGH LOAF, SMALL BATCH ITALIAN LOAF, ITALIAN BREAD and any other Specially Selected breads at Aldi that bear a Scroll K symbol are Pas Yisroel, and state “P.Y.” under the symbol in fine print. [Note that some Specially Selected breads bear other symbols and may not be Pas Yisroel, and some bear no certification at all.]

• TRADER JOE’S brand of CHOCOLATE BROOKLYN BABKA and HALF MOON COOKIES that bear OU Pareve are Pas Yisroel. 

• TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC FRENCH ROLLS and TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC FRENCH BAGUETTE that bear MK certification [Montreal] are Pas Yisroel*.

• TRADER JOE’S HOLIDAY CHALLAH – TRADITIONAL EGG BREAD with an Earth K symbol is Pas Yisroel, as stated on the label.

      [NOTE: Trader Joe’s Sprouted Wheat Sourdough Bread and Sprouted Wheat Multigrain Bread bearing a Star-K are not      Pas Yisroel.]

• S. ROSEN’S BREADS, BUNS AND ROLLS with an OU (available at Costco) – The following products are certified by the OU as Pas Yisroel: 100% Healthy Multi Grain Bread, 9 Grain Bread, Sour Dough Bread, Country White Bread. Other S. Rosen’s products with an OU are Pas Yisroel per the glow-bar method*.

• NATURAL OVENS BAKERY KETO-FRIENDLY WHITE BREAD with an OU ink jetted on the individually wrapped loaves (available at Costco) is Pas Yisroel.

• KRONOS PITA BREAD with a cRc symbol is Pas Yisroel*, as stated on the label.

• FOOD FOR LIFE EZEKIEL SPROUTED GRAIN BREADS with the Kof-K symbol are Pas Yisroel*. The Pocket Bread, however, is not Pas Yisroel.

• MATT’S BAKERY COOKIES that bear a plain OK symbol are “Pas Yisroel”*, as stated on the label. Those that bear OK-D are not Pas Yisroel.

   * per the “glow-bar method” [an electrical heating element turned on by the Mashgiach], which most Kashrus agencies consider Pas Yisroel. (The OU, however, does not accept this as Pas Yisroel, based on the psak of Rabbi Yisroel Belsky zt’l.)

HONEY: 

• Standard honey goes through a filtering process, which removes the non-Kosher bee parts. Even “raw and unfiltered” honey is usually strained to remove the bee parts. However, some completely unprocessed honeys are neither filtered nor strained. If the label or the manufacturer states that the honey is not strained, or if bee parts are visible, that honey should be avoided.

• “Forest honey”, “Honeydew honey”, and “Beechwood honey” (or honey named after other types of trees such as Pine, Fir, Oak, etc.), generally refer to honey produced by bees that have consumed the non-Kosher excretions of aphids and scale insects left on trees (as opposed to standard honey produced from flower nectar). These are not considered Kosher according to some opinions, and should be avoided. Melipona honey should also be avoided.

• “Royal Jelly” is a bee product that, unlike regular honey, is an actual secretion of the bee. Some Poskim therefore rule that it is not included in the permitted category of “honey”, and it should be avoided.

FISH HEADS: 

• The Rainbow Trout fish heads now being sold at Superior Kosher Meats are completely fresh water raised, and do not need to be checked for lice.

• Rainbow Trout from Norway are heavily infested, and require thorough cleaning and checking [see below].

The following is from New Square Kashrus Council:

• White fish: White fish heads are free of infestation concern.

• Salmon/Baby Salmon: Salmon heads [even farm raised] are commonly infested with salmon lice (brownish parasites ranging in size from approximately 1-3 cm).

             ·   The entire gills must be removed. (It may be easier to first cut the head in half before cleaning).

             ·   Rinse the head thoroughly with water while rubbing all surfaces of the head (inside and outside), including all cracks, crevices and folds, and under and around the tongue. Inspect the head to make sure it is clean.

One who wants to avoid the checking process may just rinse the head and cook the head in a separate pot, take a small piece from the flesh of the head, and visually inspect it before eating to make sure there is no foreign object on it. 

• Carp: Carp heads may be infested with very small transparent insects called Argulus that are very hard to detect. There is no known method to clean infested carp heads properly, and they should not be used unless checked by an expert.

BLACK EYED PEAS are often infested and require careful checking. The following is based on the Star-K procedure for checking dried, canned or frozen black eyed peas, and applies even if the product bears Kashrus certification. (Note: All canned peas and beans always require Kashrus certification, for general Kashrus concerns.) 

• Dried black eyed peas should first be boiled in water. After they have been fully cooked, turn off the flame and allow them to soak in the water for 2-3 hours.  The peas will swell and the peel will become translucent. Then check as below.

• Canned or frozen black eyed peas may be checked straight out of the can/bag; there is no need to boil or soak.

• To check (all types): Take the black eyed peas and inspect for holes or dark-colored stains, which may indicate an insect beneath the thin peel.  If any are found, remove the thin skin and check if there is a cavity with a bug in it. (The black “eye” spot is not a sign of infestation.  Similarly, orange colored stains on the surface are not signs of infestation; only dark or black stains are of concern.)

[Note: For those who prefer not to rely on checking, some Poskim advise that the Rosh Hashana simanim custom can be fulfilled without eating the item, by placing it on the table and looking at it.]

                           We Wish All a K’siva v’Chasima Tova