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

LITTLE SALAD BAR brand of Garden Salad and Shredded Lettuce sold at Aldi stores in the Detroit area no longer bears the OK symbol and is not Kosher certified, due to a change in suppliers, and is not recommended. In other areas these may still bear certification; check each bag.

DOLE and MARKETSIDE [Walmart] brands of Shredded Lettuce currently do not bear the OK symbol on many bags, in particular those dated 7-31, 8-1 and 8-2. We have ascertained that these bags are not certified Kosher and are not recommended. Check each bag.

KROGER SALADS: Kroger brand salads in the Detroit area do not bear a recommended certification.

2024-3-26 KosherGram PDF

RECANATI WINE of 2022 vintage was mistakenly sold locally. It is a Shemitah product and is not recommended due to Shemitah concerns (and it therefore does not bear the OU symbol).

POMEGRANATES: U.S. grown pomegranates are currently out of season, and many stores are now selling pomegranates from Israel (that is nearing the end of its pomegranate season), which require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. The country of origin will be listed on the original case. It may not be listed on the stickers of the individual fruits.

GREENFIELD NOODLE CO. has exhausted its stock of Yoshon flour. New product is using Chodosh flour and does not state “Yoshon” next to the expiration date. Product that still states Yoshon is in fact Yoshon.

ROSEN’S brand BAGELS produced by Alpha Baking Co. are no longer OU certified. Rosen’s breads and buns bearing the OU symbol on the packaging continue to be OU Pareve certified [COR Note: and are Pas Yisroel – glow-bar method].

WONDER MILLS WHITE SPELT FLOUR from Israel with a date code of June 12, 2023 [“12/06/23”- European format] has been found to be infested, and should not be used without sifting.

PESACH ALERT

NOVACART BAKING CUPS and MOLDS – A Kof-K Kosher certificate for Novacart was erroneously issued indicating that the following items are Kosher certified for Pesach:

• OPTIMA BAKING MOLDS CBM SERIES
• CARDBOARD BAKING CUPS
• OPTIMA BAKING MOLDS
• PM OP BAKING MOLDS

These items are certified as Kosher for year-round usage, but not for Pesach. For any questions regarding these products, please call the Kof-K office at 201-837-0500 ext. 2106.

2023-1-25 Kashrus Notice PDF

TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC TRI-COLOR BELL PEPPERS [3 count], that is now being sold in the Detroit area, states “Product of Israel / Mexico”. Terumos and Maaseros should be taken separately from each individual pepper (without a bracha).

2023-11-30 KosherGram PDF

GEFEN dried GARBANZO BEANS (CHICK PEAS) in 16 oz. bags with Best By dates of 08-28-25, 09-11-25, and 10-02-25 have been found to be infested, and should not be used.

ALDI FRESH TILAPIA FILLETS are not acceptable because they do not have Kashrus certification and are sold without skin / scales. Aldi’s FRESH FARM-RAISED SALMON, however, that is plain, unseasoned and vacuum-sealed, has skin / scales on one side and is acceptable even without certification. [“Farm-Raised” is stated in fine print on the back.] This includes Aldi’s Atlantic Salmon Portion and Fillet, Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Portion, and Coho Salmon Portion.

FERRARA CANDY CO. products, including Jaw Busters [Jawbreakers], Atomic Fireballs, and others, are no longer under UMK certification, and have not been for quite some time. The individually wrapped Jaw Busters currently being sold, that bear the UMK symbol, may have been produced after the termination of the certification, and are not recommended.    

KOSHER / NON-KOSHER VERSIONS: Consumers should be aware that there are instances of almost identical meat items, with the same manufacturer and brand names, where one item is Kosher certified and the other is non-Kosher. This causes confusion and mistakes. Always check each package for Kashrus certification. 

Following are two examples:

• “BRAD’S ORGANIC” CHICKEN BROTH (32 oz. containers) – The “Low Fat” version bears “OU Meat”. The “Fat Free / Low Sodium” version bears no Kosher marking and is not Kosher. It was recently mistakenly sold at a Kosher store in Illinois. 

• IMAGINE CHICKEN BROTH was in the past produced in both “Kosher” and non-Kosher versions. The Kosher version has been discontinued, but some on-line sites are still advertising the product as Kosher, and it was recently mistakenly sold at a Kosher store in Michigan. 

WELCH’S GRAPE JUICE with a K is not an Orthodox supervision and should not be considered Kosher.

OFF THE EATEN PATH CHICKPEA VEGGIE CRISPS, with specific lot numbers, may contain undeclared milk ingredients due to the unintended presence of caramel seasoned crisps. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frito-lay-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-eaten-path-chickpea-veggie-crisps  or 844-683-7284.

The following product contains dairy ingredients and is certified OU Dairy. Some labels mistakenly bear a plain OU without the D:

• 365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET LEMON WAFER BITES and VANILLA WAFER BITES [revised OU alert]

The following products bear unauthorized Kashrus marking on some labels:

• MOORE’S ORIGINAL TERIYAKI MARINADE – unauthorized OU symbol.
• SADAF CHARGRILLED ARTICHOKES – 9.5 oz. jars – unauthorized Star-K symbol. [Star-K does not certify artichoke hearts due to insect infestation.]
• ARIZONA GRAPEADE FRUIT JUICE COCKTAIL sold in Israel – bears an added label with an unauthorized Kof-K symbol. This product is not Kosher.
• AGUR WINERY – various wines imported by Israeli Wine Direct, LLC / Levantara Imports display the words “Certified by OK Kosher” in Hebrew. OK Kosher has not certified Agur Winery since 2014.

                                                                                        RECALLS

WANABANA APPLE CINNAMON FRUIT PUREE POUCHES, SCHNUCKS CINNAMON APPLESAUCE POUCHES and WEIS CINNAMON APPLESAUCE POUCHES have been recalled due to extremely elevated lead levels that have sickened a number of children. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

CANTALOUPE and PINEAPPLE SPEARS products have been recalled due to a serious Salmonella Outbreak. Most of these products are past their Best By dates and are no longer in stores, but some consumers store or freeze them for later use. See details at https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html  and  https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023 .

CRUSH ORANGE SODA with a specific lot number has been recalled due to plastic material in the product. Details are available at

SIMILAC PROBIOTIC TRI-BLEND RECALL and FDA warning regarding probiotics for hospitalized preterm infants:

See https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/11/similac-probiotics-product-under-recall-after-adverse-reactions-in-preterm-babies/   and

2023-10-31 KosherGram PDF

PREWASHED BRANDS OF ICEBERG GARDEN SALAD that normally bear OK Kosher certification, such as Dole and Marketside [Walmart], have been found recently without the OK symbol on some bags. This is due to increased infestation levels in some batches. Every bag should always be checked for the OK symbol. (This also applies to Aldi’s Little Salad Bar brand, and to Coleslaw products.)

WINES FROM ISRAEL of Shemitah years (e.g., 2022 or 2015 vintages) are being sold in the U.S., and should be avoided due to Shemitah restrictions. Some of these wines normally bear acceptable certifications in other years, but on Shemitah product their certification differs. Check each bottle carefully.

THE GROVE KOSHER FOOD MARKET [One Stop]: Only the following Grove departments are supervised by the Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit, as posted at the entrance to the store:

• Deli Dept.
• Superior Meat Dept.
• Fresh Bakery Dept.
• Pizza Stop
• Sushi Dept.
• Repackaged Bulk Candies bearing the K-COR symbol

All other products must be checked by the consumer for a reliable Kashrus certification on each label.

MOUNTAIN DEW VooDEW 2023 MYSTERY FLAVOR Limited Edition soda, regular and Zero Sugar, is Kosher and pareve (no symbol required).

KENDAMIL BABY FORMULAS sold in the U.S. currently, all types, are not certified Kosher. Kendamil regular baby formulas [not Organic, and not Goat] made in the UK, including First Infant, Follow-On and Toddler, are KLBD {London Beth Din] certified as Dairy non-Cholov Yisroel even without the KLBD symbol, provided that the can states on the bottom “Country of Origin: UK”. These Kosher types are not available in the U.S., but can be ordered at https://koshertrader.co.uk . A Cholov Yisroel version is also available at that link.

OASIS MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE TABOULE SALAD is currently not Star-K certified, and the Star-K symbol on the label should be covered with a sticker. Some packages mistakenly still display the Star-K; they should not be considered Kosher.

The following products contain dairy ingredients and are certified OU Dairy. Some labels mistakenly bear a plain OU without the D:

• GORDON CHOICE JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING from Gordon Food Service

• CANADIAN OATS’N PROTEIN QUICK OATS

The following products bear an unauthorized OU symbol on some packages. They are not OU certified:

• TWINKLE DEHYDRATED MINI MARSHMALLOWS

• TURNER’S GRAPE JUICE

• ALREEF BAKLAVA PASTRIES

ELDEN FOODS (Kaysville, Utah) honey products are not EarthKosher certified. Some labels bear an unauthorized EarthKosher symbol.

                                                                                       RECALLS

WANABANA APPLE  CINNAMON FRUIT PUREE POUCHES have been recalled due to possible extremely elevated lead levels. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-parents-and-caregivers-not-buy-or-feed-wanabana-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches

CHEF’S LINE PEANUT BUTTER TOFFEE BARS, a Foodservice item distributed by US Foods, with specific lot numbers, has been recalled due to plastic material in the product. Details are available at https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/09/peanut-butter-toffee-bars-recalled-over-plastic-in-product/