January 30, 2014 – From the Star-K:
Whirlpool Built-in Wall Ovens
In some models of STAR-K certified Whirlpool built-in wall ovens, there may be a problem with opening the oven door on Shabbos & YomTov. This could shut off a fan.
To determine if your oven is one of those with this problem, perform a test during the week by putting your oven in Sabbath Mode, waiting for it to reach the desired temperature, and then opening the oven door. Listen to hear if a fan is shut off immediately on opening. If so, your oven can not be used on Shabbos & Yom Tov.
We are working with the manufacturers to correct this problem. We will be posting the model numbers of which ovens may be affected as soon as we have that information.
The Star-K has published a document that offers guidelines on the kashrus status of various liquors. The document can be downloaded below or under the “Kosher” menu above.
2014-1-26 Kashrus Alerts are available for PDF download.
January 23, 2014 – From the Star-K:
Polar Mixed Fruits in Cherry Flavor
Polar brand Mixed Fruits in Cherry Flavor bears an unauthorized STAR-K symbol. Corrective action is being taken.
January 22, 2014 Kosher Alert
The following alert was sent out by the UM Kosher: please direct all questions and comments directly to the UMK at kosherq@umkosher.com.
Please be advised that Lemonhead & Friends Conversation Hearts sold by Ferrara Candy Co., was mistakenly labeled with the UMKOSHER symbol. THIS ITEM IS NOT CERTIFIED BY UMKOSHER. Corrective action is being taken.
The following Kosher FYI was posted by the Star-K on Monday, January 13, 2013:
In honor of Tu B’shvat (15th of Shvat, Jan 16th) STAR-K presents the following regarding insect checking instructions:
When applicable, guidelines apply to produce grown and purchased in the United States. Checking procedures in other countries may be different.
Carob: Break open in several places to check for infestation. If it is infested, white stringy webbing will be visible on the inside. Holes on the outside may also indicate infestation.
Dates: American grown do not require inspection. For the more stringent, slice the date lengthwise and open. If webbing or seedy material is present, the dates should be discarded.
Figs: It is recommended that one open and do a visual inspection on a few out of the container (even if they have a hechsher). If they have no insects, one can assume the rest do not.
Nuts & Raisins: Do not require checking unless there is some reason to suspect infestation such as improper or prolonged storage or movement is noticed. Name brand raisins, which have likely not sat in storage for a while, are preferred.
If one insect is found, remove it. If two insects are found, a cursory check of the entire container or bag is recommended. If three insects are found the entire container or bag must be carefully checked.
Although the following are not traditional for Tu B’shvat we present them here due to the current situation.
Pineapple – There seems to currently be an infestation of mites on pineapples. The mites are ONLY on the outer rind and inside crevices if the pineapple is not peeled properly. If the pineapple is peeled until only yellow fruit is visible, there are no issues.
Garlic (whole) – There seems to be a current infestation of mites in between the layers of the garlic peels. The garlic cloves themselves have no infestation issues. As a precaution, it is recommended to rinse off the cloves.
We are still researching these two issues and will update with further information as it becomes available.
Keeping our Children Safe in Unsafe Times
14800 Lincoln, Oak Park, MI
This program is made possible through a generous grant by Jewish Family Service.
2013-12-31: A Kashrus Alert regarding fresh pineapple is available for PDF download.
Community Announcement
Yeshiva Beth Yehuda has arranged for representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield to provide a high level presentation of the health care changes going into effect in 2014 as well as a description of the BCBS plans that will be available and eligible for government subsidies.
Insurance agents will also be present to answer questions and schedule a time for individuals who require additional assistance enrolling in subsidy eligible BCBS plans.
Thursday night, December 5th, 8 PM
Bais Yaakov High School – Multi-Purpose Room
If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to health@cordetroit.com.
2013-11-25 Kashrus Alerts are available for PDF download.