2020-10-22 KosherGram PDF
PREWASHED BRANDS OF ICEBERG GARDEN SALAD that normally bear OK Kosher certification, such as Dole, Kroger, Little Salad Bar [Aldi], and Marketside {Walmart], currently do not bear the OK symbol on some bags. This is due to increased infestation levels in some batches. This also occurs occasionally with coleslaw products. Every bag should be checked for the OK symbol.
GEFEN PEARL BARLEY with date code 07-20-22 has been found to have infestation in some bags, and must be checked before using. Several 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.
SEASON KIPPER SNACKS FILLETS OF HERRING was previously OU-P certified. Due to Covid-19 related challenges, this product was produced as non-Kosher and the OU has been removed. There may be OU and non-OU product available in the market simultaneously. Check each package for the OU symbol.
For the benefit of the consumer, we will repeat here two Season certification changes that were posted in August:
• Season Brisling Sardines and Season Sprats – Products of Latvia: These products were previously OU-P certified. Due to Covid- 19 related challenges, these products were produced as non-Kosher and the OU has been removed. There may be OU and non-OU product available in the market simultaneously. Check each package for the OU symbol.
• Season Sardines – Product of Morocco: This product was previously OU-P certified (Kosher for Pesach) year round, and Bishul Yisroel. Due to COVID-19 work and travel restrictions, this product will be certified as OU for year round use, but not Kosher for Pesach, and not Bishul Yisroel. (OU policy follows the widespread minhag that sardines do not require Bishul Yisroel.) Prior to Pesach, an additional quantity of OU-P product may be produced. There may be OU and OU-P product available in the market simultaneously. Check each package for its correct status.
FRIENDLY FARMS PUMPKIN SPICE WHIPPED DAIRY TOPPING and FRIENDLY FARMS MAPLE VANILLA WHIPPED DAIRY TOPPING (Limited Editions), sold at Aldi, contain cream and milk, but mistakenly bear only a plain OU without the D.
TRADER JOE’S CINNAMON ROLL (sliced, ready to eat) in some areas of the U.S. bears a KVH symbol, and mistakenly states Pareve. This contains butter and is certified KVH Dairy. In other areas (including Michigan), this product is made by a different, non-certified, manufacturer, and does not bear any Kashrus symbol.
CHEWY LEMONHEAD & FRIENDS FRUIT CANDY from Ferrara Candy Co. bears an unauthorized UMK. The only Ferrara candies that remain under UMK certification are Atomic Fireballs and Jawbreakers, and only when they bear the UMK symbol on each individual box.
EDEN WHOLE DRIED SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS: The OK has announced that this product now requires checking for insects, even when bearing the OK symbol, and that certification of this product will be suspended until further notice. For instructions on how to check, see https://www.ok.org/consumers/kosher-alerts/?alert_category=alert .
CLUB HOUSE CHEESE SAUCE MIX from McCormick Canada contains a non-Kosher ingredient and is not Kosher, even when mistakenly bearing the COR 94 DAIRY symbol.
QUAKER CEREALS UPDATE
• Cap’n Crunch Cereal – Regular (Original): The OU has informed us that although this cereal bears an OU-D, it is actually 100% pareve and is produced on pareve equipment. Years ago it was produced on dairy equipment and was labeled OU-D, and the packaging has not yet been updated.
• Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal in Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Golden Maple and Honey Nut varieties with an OU-D
do not contain dairy ingredients, but are produced on dairy equipment.