MILANO BAKERY BREAD and ROLLS, K-COR certified, are currently NOT Pas Yisroel. An update will be issued when their Pas Yisroel status resumes.

2022-9-20 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: ZEMAN’S, BAKE STATION, DAKOTA BREAD COMPANY,  JERUSALEM PIZZA, PIZZA STOP, SPREADS BAGELS & CAFÉ, PRIME 10, SOUL CAFÉ RESTAURANT, KAPLAN CAKES, and YODELS ‘N MORE.  At THE GROVE [One Stop] 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. bearing the K-COR symbol are Pas   Yisroel, except for Pita Bread which is not Pas Yisroel.  

• MILANO BAKERY bread and rolls that bear the K-COR symbol are Pas Yisroel*, except for Milano Bread Sticks which are not Pas Yisroel.

• SIMPLY NATURE KNOCK YOUR SPROUTS OFF SPROUTED 7 GRAIN BREAD at Aldi with an OK symbol is Pas Yisroel*.

• SPECIALLY SELECTED brand SMALL BATCH SOURDOUGH LOAF,  ITALIAN BREAD and any other Specially Selected breads at Aldi bearing a Scroll K symbol are Pas Yisroel.

• TRADER JOE’S brand of CHOCOLATE BROOKLYN BABKA, CINNAMON BROOKLYN BABKA, and             HALF MOON COOKIES that bear OU Pareve are Pas Yisroel. (They are no longer Yoshon.)

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

• TRADER JOE’S CHALLAH – BRAIDED EGG BREAD that bears an Earth K symbol and states “Pas Yisroel” is Pas Yisroel.

• TRADER JOE’S SPROUTED WHEAT 7-GRAIN BREAD that bears an OK and states “Pas Yisroel” is Pas Yisroel*.

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

• GOLDBERGS FINE FOODS CHALLAH TWIN PACK TRADITIONAL that bears an OK and states “Pas Yisroel” (available at Costco) is Pas Yisroel.

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

• S. ROSEN’S breads, buns and rolls with an OU (available at Costco) are Pas Yisroel*.

• 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 with OK Pareve are Pas Yisroel*.

• LILLY’S BABKA, RUGELACH and other cakes and cookies with an OU from Lilly’s Baking Company / Brooklyn Brands are Pas Yisroel. (The labels no longer need to state Pas Yisroel. They are not Yoshon.)

   * per the “glow-plug 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.

• “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 frozen 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, as this may indicate an insect beneath the thin peel.  If there is a dark spot on the peel, 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.]

                                 

New GLACEAU VITAMINWATER ZERO SUGAR “LOOK” – BLUEBERRY HIBISCUS FCB Slurpee syrup is Kosher and pareve (no symbol required). The label on the syrup box in the back must be checked to verify the brand and flavor. 

SOUTHERN GROVE OVEN ROASTED ALMONDS at Aldi in some regions, including Michigan and Ohio, no longer bears an OU. Always check the label.

KROGER, MEIJER and GREAT VALUE [Walmart] brands of PRETZELS that previously had a plain OK symbol, including Pretzel Sticks, Pretzel Rods and Pretzel Mini Twists, are now changing to an OK-D symbol due to dairy equipment, and should not be eaten together with meat. Packages that still bear a plain OK symbol are pareve. Several other store brands of OK certified pretzels (e.g., Clancy’s at Aldi) will also be changing status. Check each bag.  (Note: These pretzels are not Pas Yisroel.)

SUPER K FORTUNE COOKIES from KARI-OUT COMPANY, White Plains, NY, are Kosher only when bearing the OU symbol on the case and also on each individually wrapped cookie. Cases not bearing the OU, and cookies not bearing the OU on their individual wrapper, were produced by a non-certified supplier. Some cases bearing an OU were found to mistakenly contain some non-certified cookies mixed in that did not bear an OU. Check each wrapper.  (Note: These cookies are not Pas Yisroel.)

LUNCH BUDDIES FRUIT CUPS IN 100% FRUIT JUICE sold at Aldi, including Yellow Cling Diced Peaches, Diced Pears, and Mandarin Oranges, bear an unauthorized Star-K and are being recalled. These products contain grape juice.

OMENA ORGANICS FROZEN BROCCOLI bears an unauthorized Star-K symbol. This was found in Midwest markets, including Whole Foods.

NIBBLES & NUTS GIFT BASKETS and TRAYS (Oak Park/Farmington Hills, MI) bear a sticker on some packages stating “All products in this box or basket are Kosher”. Please be aware that these baskets and trays have no Kosher certification and are prepared without any Kashrus supervision, and therefore should not be accepted as Kosher.

PRODUCT RECALL

SIMILAC ALIMENTUM BABY FORMULA packaged in 32 fl. oz. plastic bottles with Lot No. 41740RH00 and Best By date 06/01/23, which was distributed in Ohio and Michigan, has been recalled due to a packaging defect that that could cause health risks for babies.  Details are available at https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/09/abbott-recalls-certain-similac-formula-over-packaging-defects/  .   

[Note: This formula is not Kosher approved, but is Halachically permitted in certain circumstances upon consultation with a Rav.]

                         We Wish All a K’siva v’Chasima Tova

2022-7-28 KosherGram PDF

 

RITA’S ITALIAN ICE & FROZEN CUSTARD OF FARMINGTON HILLS at 11 Mile & Middlebelt is under supervision of the Vaad Harabbonim / Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit, as Dairy non-Cholov Yisroel. Many flavors of the Italian Ices contain only pareve ingredients, but may contain traces of dairy; a list is posted at the store. Cream Ices are Dairy.

ICE CREAM and FROZEN YOGURT STORES often claim that they are Kosher and may post Kosher certification letters, which leads consumers to believe that the store and its products are under supervision. In fact, in most cases, the letters refer only to specific products or ingredients which are factory produced under supervision, and are certified only when in their original sealed packaging bearing Kosher marking. Once the unsupervised store opens the packaging, the certification is no longer valid. Unless the consumer verifies that there is actual on-site reliable Rabbinical supervision of the entire individual retail store, no ice cream, yogurt, syrups or toppings should be considered Kosher except for those in their original sealed containers bearing a reliable Kosher certification.

The following are some stores in our area that are not under supervision: Clark’s Ice Cream and Yogurt, Haagen-Dazs, Menchie’s, Oberweis, and TCBY.

It is always preferable to buy at fully supervised stores. Locally, soft serve Cholov Yisroel ice cream is available at Jerusalem Pizza and Soul Cafe. Hard pack Cholov Yisroel ice cream is available at Spreads Bagels & Café. Hard pack non-Cholov Yisroel ice cream and yogurt is available at Baskin-Robbins/Dunkin’ Donuts at 10 Mile & Greenfield in Oak Park (which is K-COR certified for all products). Packaged Cholov Yisroel ice cream is available at The Grove Kosher Market.

If it is necessary to purchase hard pack ice cream or yogurt from an unsupervised store, the consumer should request and see a sealed container before it is opened, and check for the Kosher certification mark on the container. In addition, the scoop should be thoroughly washed.

Soft serve ice cream or yogurt should not be purchased from an unsupervised store, because of the inability to verify that Kosher mix was put into the machine.

THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS ARE KOSHER, even without any Kashrus symbol:

• MOUNTAIN DEW FLAMIN’ HOT
• MOUNTAIN DEW PURPLE THUNDER
• MOUNTAIN DEW BAJA GOLD
• MOUNTAIN DEW BAJA MANGO GEM
• PEPPER DARK BERRY (regular and Zero Sugar)

MOUNTAIN DEW KICKSTART, MOUNTAIN DEW ENERGY [formerly Mountain Dew “Rise” Energy], and MOUNTAIN DEW GAME FUEL ENERGY DRINKS contain grape juice [except for Game Fuel “Zero” varieties], and are acceptable only when bearing a K or a recognized Kosher symbol, or when bearing the letters XG in the middle of the second line of the inkjet code on bottom of the can.

Other Mountain Dew products that are produced in the USA, Canada, and Mexico are acceptable without any symbol or code.

New FRUITWORKS REAL SUGAR MANGO LEMONADE FCB Slurpee syrup is Kosher and pareve (no symbol required). The label on the syrup box in the back must be checked to verify the brand and flavor.

GATORADE ZERO THIRST QUENCHER in Grape and Fruit Punch flavors in 12 oz., 20 oz. and 28 oz. bottles is OU certified and pareve, even though the labels currently do not bear the OU symbol.

GATORADE ZERO “WITH PROTEIN” THIRST QUENCHER in 16.9 oz. bottles contains whey, a dairy ingredient, and bears OU-D.

THE CHODOSH SEASON is fast approaching for Oats, Spring Wheat and Barley. Oats may be Chodosh by approximately August 3, Spring Wheat by August 12, and Barley by August 15.  There may be shortages of Yoshon grain this year. 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.

TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC POPS lollipops in retail bags with a Kof-K symbol have been discontinued. The lollipops that are being offered locally to children at the checkout counters are currently coming in to Trader Joe’s in bulk with no Kosher marking, and should not be accepted as Kosher.

ALDI’S EARTH GROWN brand DAIRY FREE SHREDDED MOZZARELLA and EARTH GROWN DAIRY FREE CHEDDAR STYLE SHREDS products are being sold in two versions, from two different suppliers. One version is Kosher and correctly bears OU Pareve; the other version is not Kosher, and does not bear an OU. This situation is being corrected with the non-Kosher version being discontinued. Check each package carefully for the OU symbol.

ALDI’S FROZEN BROCCOLI, SPINACH and CAULIFLOWER products, sold under the Simply Nature and Season’s Choice brands, products of Mexico, and Aldi’s SIMPLY NATURE OIL SPRAYS (Coconut, Avocado, Olive, Grapeseed) bear an MK symbol (an MK in a circle, with the word Kosher in Hebrew and English inside the circle to the right of the K) in some regions. Consumers should be aware that this is not the MK of Montreal or Manchester.

KROGER HEARTY VEGETABLE READY TO SERVE SOUP in an 18.8 oz. can is still pictured on Kroger’s website with an OU symbol, but the actual product does not bear an OU, and lost its Kosher status two years ago.

SMUCKER’S UNCRUSTABLES SANDWICHES: OU certification of these products, in all flavors, will be discontinued over the next few months due to supply chain issues. Packaging which still bears the OU symbol is Kosher. Check each package carefully.

GOLD NUT NATURAL DRIED GUAVA (Discs) have been found to be infested, and should not be used. Consumers are advised to return products to the point of purchase.

B&G GHERKINS UPDATE: The Star-K has identified an additional lot of B&G Gherkins found to contain insect infestation. The following are the affected lot codes (printed on the side of the lid). These lots should not be used:

• #25021 – Best By Feb 25 2023
• #09031 – Best By Mar 09 2023
• #24061 – Best By Jun 24 2023
• #25061 – Best byJun 25 2023 – newly identified

Consumers of other lots currently on the market are advised to slice open each gherkin to check for possible infestation.

METAMUCIL PRODUCTS INFORMATION from Star-K: Consumers are advised that new Metamucil Fiber + Collagen Peptides Rejuvenation Blend contains collagen, which is a non-Kosher ingredient, and is not approved for use. Consumers are also advised that Metamucil Psyllium Fiber Capsules contain gelatin, a non-Kosher ingredient.

While Metamucil products are not certified, the Star-K site previously listed “All Powders” as being approved. That information has since been updated. The Metamucil powders listed below are currently approved:

 

• Real Sugar Orange
• Real Sugar Orange Smooth
• Real Sugar Unflavored Coarse
• Sugar-Free Berry Smooth
• Sugar-Free Orange
• Sugar-Free Orange Smooth
• Sugar-Free Unflavored Smooth

ENJOY LIFE brand SEA SALT LENTIL CHIPS are certified cRc D.E. (dairy equipment). Some packages were mistakenly labeled cRc Pareve.

JEWEL OSCO brand FROSTED SUGAR COOKIES, produced by Granny B’s cookies, mistakenly bear an OU on some labels. These cookies contain carmine, an insect derived coloring.

DELL’ ALPE brand MARINARA SAUCE bears an unauthorized cRc symbol and is not Kosher.

McCLURE’S BAKERY BUTTER & EGG DINNER ROLL and CHEESE BREAD products are not OU certified. Some labels bear an unauthorized OU symbol.

PREMIUM FOOD SOURCE BAMBOO SHOOTS, distributed by Limson Trading, Inc. (64 oz. can), bears an unauthorized Kof-K symbol.

PRODUCT RECALLS

ENJOY LIFE PRODUCTS RECALL: Many Enjoy Life brand Soft Baked Cookies, Chewy Bars, Breakfast Ovals and Brownie Bites with specific Best By dates have been recalled due to the potential presence of hard plastic pieces in the products. Details are available at  https://enjoylifefoods.com/blogs/test/important-product-announcement  or 855-543-5335.

TRADER JOE’S SOFT-BAKED SNICKERDOODLES COOKIES with Best By date 2/03/2023 has been recalled due to the potential presence of hard plastic pieces in the product. Details are available at https://www.traderjoes.com/home/announcements?category=recalls&id=1351820848   or 626-599-3817.