2024-8-21 KosherGram PDF
THE CHODOSH SEASON is approaching for Oats, Spring Wheat and Barley. 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, all products can be assumed to be Yoshon until at least September 1, except for retail size bags of King Arthur and Gold Medal flours. The cut-off Best By date for King Arthur retail flours is 8/18/25. The cut-off Best By date for Gold Medal retail Whole Wheat flour is in the process of being confirmed. (Gold Medal retail All Purpose and Bread flours from plants GF and KC are made from Yoshon winter wheat. If one is machmir regarding shared mills, the cut-off date is in the process of being confirmed.)
KORDAS’ / METROPOLITAN BAKING CO. ENGLISH MUFFINS are produced by a different company and are not certified by the K-COR / Vaad Harabbonim of Greater Detroit. Only Kordas’ / Metropolitan products that bear the K-COR symbol are certified.
MORE MULTIPLE SUPPLIERS EXAMPLES AT ALDI: The following products currently have a mixture on the shelf of some labels with an OU and some without, due to different suppliers. Always check each individual item carefully.
- BURMAN’S TOMATO KETCHUP
- EARTHLY GRAINS LONG GRAIN & WILD RICE MIX – ROASTED VEGETABLE & CHICKEN FLAVORED
KELLOGG’S CLUB CRACKERS – CORRECTION: Kellogg’s Club MINIS Crackers with OK-D, in both Original and Parmesan Garlic varieties, contain actual dairy ingredients, as listed on the box. Only regular size [not Minis] Kellogg’s Club Crackers with OK-D, in Original, Multigrain and Reduced Fat varieties, are currently DE [Dairy Equipment], but this status is subject to change and should be rechecked with the OK office every few months. Kellogg’s Club Crisps Baked Snacks with OK-D contain dairy ingredients.
COCA-COLA OREO ZERO SUGAR Limited Edition soda, to be introduced in September, is Kosher and pareve and will bear an OU engraved into the can lid.
COCA-COLA OREO ZERO SUGAR FCB Slurpee syrup, to be introduced later in September, is Kosher and pareve (no symbol required). The label on the syrup box in the back of the 7-Eleven store should be checked to verify the brand and flavor, unless the particular store has local store level Kashrus certification of its Slurpee machine(s).
JELLY BELLY CANDIES: Due to a change at one of its factories, all Jelly Belly products sold outside of North America, and some limited production items (mostly seasonal items) in North America, will soon appear in packaging without an OU symbol. Check each item.
HALE & HEARTY SOUPS are no longer Kosher certified. The OU symbol on remaining containers is supposed to be blacked out with a marker. Consumers who see product in the market with the OU not blacked out should please take a picture and email kosherq@ou.org, noting the location.
GALIL canned and jarred CHICKPEAS with Lot code BB May/06/2027 have been found to be infested and should not be used.
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS and are certified Kosher Dairy. Some labels mistakenly do not bear the D designation:
- KETTLE brand SPICY PIMENTO CHEESE FLAVORED POTATO CHIPS [Kof-K Dairy] – mistakenly says Pareve.
- LIBERTY ORCHARDS CHOCOLATE-DIPPED FRUIT DELIGHTS [Kof-K Dairy] – mistakenly says DE.
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR UNAUTHORIZED KASHRUS MARKING on some labels:
- BENHAIM WINERY VIN HORS SERIES LA CUVEE DU PATRON 2003 wine marked ‘תאריך מילוי 02/2023’ – unauthorized OK.
- MAVERICKS brand CHEDDAR SANDWICH CRACKERS and PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH CRACKERS – unauthorized OU.
- ACTUAL VEGGIES brand EGGPLANT CHICKPEA VEGGIE BALLS and SOUTHWESTERN BLACK BEAN VEGGIE BALLS – unauthorized EarthKosher symbol.
PRODUCT RECALLS
YUMMY ICES have been recalled because they may contain traces of milk and pose a risk to individuals with milk allergies or severe sensitivities. According to the certifying agencies, this is not a Kashrus concern, and the products are considered pareve. Details are available at https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/general/2302902/recall-alert-yummy-foods-pulls-swirly-ices-line-due-to-potential-milk-contamination.html
FOX’S U-BET brand VANILLA FLAVORED SYRUP and SUGAR-FREE CHOCOLATE FLAVORED SYRUP have been recalled due to a risk of foodborne illness. Details are available at https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/08/vanilla-and-chocolate-syrup-recalled-after-consumer-complaints-of-bloated-bottles/ .
CVS and HEB brands of INFANT PREMIUM FORMULA WITH IRON have been recalled due to elevated levels of Vitamin D. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/perrigo-issues-voluntary-recall-one-batch-premium-infant-formula-iron-milk-based-powder-due-elevated#recall-photos or 800-538-9543.