Posts by: "Vaad Harabbonim"

K-COR: 2021-7-1 KosherGram

On By

2021-7-1 KosherGram PDF

RITA’S ITALIAN ICE & FROZEN CUSTARD OF FARMINGTON HILLS at 11 Mile & Middlebelt is now 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 Once the unsupervised store opens the packaging, the certification is no longer valid.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. 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.
New SUNKIST BERRY LEMONADE SODA is Kosher, and does not require a Kashrus symbol.

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.

KRONOS makes Pas Yisroel PITA BREAD and FLAT BREAD with “cRc Pas Yisroel” marking. The cRc has learned that for several weeks beginning in mid-March, some varieties of these products did not meet Pas Yisroel standards. The issue has been corrected, and fresh products being sold at this time are Pas Yisroel when bearing the cRc Pas Yisroel marking. If you have older products in your freezer, you can determine if they were from those problematic batches by checking the date codes. See details on the cRc website at https://www.crcweb.org/alerts.php (or call the Vaad Harabbonim Kashrus Information Line 248-559-5005 #103).

THE CHODOSH SEASON is approaching. Those who want to purchase Yoshon items to store over the Chodosh season should prepare to do so. Please note that all grain and flour products that will be stored should be refrigerated to avoid insect infestation.

NORI SHEETS FROM CHINA – REVISED KOF-K ALERT: Recently, possibly due to the current shortage, several brands of Nori sheets have been circulating with unauthorized Kof-K symbols. The Kof-K does not certify any Nori produced in China. The following brands are the only Nori sheets that Kof-K currently certifies:
• D’allesandro brand from Woodland Foods • Yamamotoyama

HEALTH GARDEN COCONUT SUGAR: New Square Kashrus Council has announced that the last shipment of this product was been found to be infested, and that consumers should refrain from using this product until further notice.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS AND ARE CERTIFIED DAIRY, BUT MISTAKENLY DO NOT BEAR A “D” NEXT TO THEIR RESPECTIVE KASHRUS SYMBOLS:
• WELLSLEY FARMS MINI CRISPY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES sold at BJ’s [OU]
• BAZZINI DARK CHOCOLATE PECANS [OU]
• SOFT BAKED CLASSIC COOKIE DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP (3 oz.) from Mannon Specialty Foods [cRc]

ELECARE and ELECARE JR. AMINO ACID-BASED POWDER INFANT FORMULA / NUTRITION POWDER hypoallergenic formulas do not bear a Kashrus symbol, but are in fact certified OU DE (made with pareve ingredients, on dairy equipment).

JULIAN’S RECIPE BRUSSELS STYLE PALEO BELGIAN WAFELS, in ORIGINAL and MATCHA flavors, mistakenly bear a plain OK symbol. These products were made with pareve ingredients on dairy equipment.

SSIPS PASSION FRUIT DRINK will no longer be OU certified due to a change in ingredients, and will not bear the OU symbol. Containers still bearing the OU were made before this change. Check each container carefully.

BOTTICELLI BALSAMIC VINEGAR bears an unauthorized OU. This product is not OU certified.

RONZA LOLLIPOPS bears a forged certification of the Edah HaChareidis of Yerushalayim.

THE NUTMEG SPICE COMPANY – REVISED OU ALERT: The following products produced by The Nutmeg Spice Co. bear an unauthorized OU: Carne Assada Seasoning, Burgundy Wine Marinade, French Onion Dip Mix, and Saffron Rice Seasoning.
These products are labeled under several brand names, including brands of some Kosher food stores and distributors. Every label with the unauthorized OU symbol also states (usually on the back) that the product is from The Nutmeg Spice Company.

CUSTOM SEASONINGS of Gloucester, MA is no longer KVH certified, due to Kashrus violations. All products, even when bearing the KVH symbol, are unauthorized, and the company’s KVH Kashrus certificates are no longer valid.

K-COR: 2021-6-2 KosherGram

On By

2021-6-2 KosherGram PDF

IMPORTANT: ACE BAKERY / WESTON FOODS FROZEN PAR-BAKED GOODS are produced as Kosher with KSA certification, and bear the KSA symbol on their original bulk boxes. These bulk items are then distributed to in-store bakeries, which bake them and insert the breads into white bags, which are supplied along with the par-baked items. Inadvertently, some of these bags were imprinted with the KSA symbol. Please be aware that only Ace Bakery / Weston Foods baked goods in their original factory sealed bulk boxes bearing the KSA symbol are KSA certified. Once the products are baked in a non-certified in-store bakery, they cannot be considered Kosher, despite the mistaken KSA symbol on the bags. → THESE MISLABELED BREADS ARE NOW BEING SOLD LOCALLY AT MEIJER, AND AT OTHER LOCATIONS IN MICHIGAN AND ILLINOIS.

AHA SPARKLING WATER in all varieties is OU certified, and bears the OU symbol on the can.

BUBLY brand SPARKLING WATER in all flavors is Kosher and does not require Kosher marking.

New PEPSI BLUE is Kosher, and does not require a Kashrus symbol.

SKINNY POP KETTLE CORN POPCORN’s new variety pack contains the varieties Sweet Vanilla, Sweet & Salty, and Cinnamon & Sugar Kettle Corn, and bears the cRc and OU symbols on the outer box. On some of the inner bags the Kosher symbol was omitted, but they are nevertheless certified Kosher and pareve.

PLANET OAT OATMILK in 52 oz. refrigerated containers bears an OU-D on all varieties, but in fact their actual status is DE [dairy equipment], and they may be eaten after, but not with, meat.

BAKE SHOP BAKERY 7 LAYER DESSERT BAR, sold at Aldi stores in the U.S., was mistakenly labeled with a plain COR [Canada] symbol. This product contains dairy ingredients and is certified dairy.

TUSCAN GARDEN ALL PURPOSE RANCH SEASONING sold at Aldi mistakenly bears a plain OU without a D on some containers. This product contains dairy ingredients and is certified dairy.

BOWL & BASKET NON-STICK COOKING SPRAY GHEE mistakenly bears a plain OU without a D on some cans. This product contains dairy ingredients and is certified dairy. [“Ghee” = clarified butter.]

GLORY FOODS CANDIED YAMS – SEASONED SOUTHERN STYLE mistakenly bears a Star-K symbol. This product contains dairy ingredients and should have been labeled Star-D. It is certified Kosher dairy, non-Cholov Yisroel.

SUNGLO POPCORN SEASONINGS in the following varieties – Buttery, Jalapeno, Nacho Cheese, Ranch and White Cheddar – were mistakenly labeled with a plain OVK symbol. These products contain milk powder and are certified dairy.

LIEBER’S MINI, TINY DILL GHERKINS UPDATE: Rabbi M. Weissmandl issued an updated notice on 5/10/21 regarding both Lieber’s Mini Dill Gherkins and Lieber’s Tiny Dill Gherkins, that they were found to be infested and should not be used until further notice (regardless of their lot numbers).

SWEET CITY brand NORI SHEETS with the lot codes listed below have been recalled due to infestation concerns, and must be checked before using, even when bearing the Star-K symbol. All other lot codes remain certified. Lot Codes (printed on the bottom of each bag): 50824,50924,51024,51124,51424,51524,51624,51724,51824,52124,52224,52324.

INSPIRED ORGANICS brand ORGANIC CUT SPINACH and ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES bear an unauthorized cRc symbol. These products are not certified.

KRASDALE FROZEN CUT LEAF SPINACH bears an unauthorized KVH symbol. This product is not certified.

VOSS WATER + COLLAGEN bears an unauthorized OU symbol on some bottles. This product is not OU certified.

TAMMY’S KITCHEN CHICKEN CACCIATORE was mistakenly labeled with a Kof-K symbol. This product contains non-Kosher white wine and is not certified Kosher.

FIRST STREET PARMESAN CHEESE PACKETS (a foodservice item) bears an unauthorized OU-D symbol on some labels. This product is not OU certified.

PRODUCT RECALL

ICE CREAM & SHERBET RECALL: Velvet Ice Cream has announced a recall of all of its ice cream and sherbet products made on or after March 24, 2021 as a precaution, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. This includes specific products under the following brands: VELVET, SUPER DIP, NORTH STAR, BUEHLER’S, RUGGLES, WHALE OF A PAIL, and DISCOUNT DRUG MART. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/velvet-ice-cream-recalls-various-products-due-possible-listeria-risk
or 800-589-5000 x237.

K-COR: 2021-5-7 KosherGram

On By

2021-5-7 KosherGram PDF

LIEBER’S MINI, TINY DILL GHERKINS UPDATE: Rabbi M. Weissmandl has informed us as of 5/6/21 regarding all jars of both Lieber’s Mini Dill Gherkins and Lieber’s Tiny Dill Gherkins, regardless of their lot numbers, that it is recommended that they not be used unless the consumer splits each gherkin lengthwise and inspects for long, easily visible worms.

BONE SUCKIN’ SAUCES normally bear an OU symbol. However, some non-certified jars of regular and Thicker Style varieties not bearing an OU were recently mistakenly sold at The Grove [One Stop]. Check each jar for the OU symbol.

SEASON SARDINES: As previously posted, due to Covid-19 work and travel restrictions, some Season Sardines, Sprats and Kipper Snacks products were produced as non-Kosher and do not bear an OU symbol. Some cans of Season Brisling Sardines – Product of Latvia with no OU may mistakenly have been sold in the
recent past at The Grove [One Stop]. Check every can for the OU symbol.

K-COR: 2021-4-20 KosherGram

On By

2021-4-20 KosherGram PDF

SLICE OF HEAVEN artisanal baked goods [347-452-7016] is now under supervision of the Vaad Harabbonim / Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit, and is certified Pareve and Pas Yisroel.

New COCA-COLA WITH COFFEE in Dark Blend, Vanilla and Caramel flavors, and COCA-COLA WITH COFFEE ZERO SUGAR in Dark Blend and Vanilla flavors, are OU certified and bear the OU symbol engraved into the top lid of the can.

New PEPSI MANGO and PEPSI MANGO ZERO SUGAR are Kosher, and do not require a Kashrus symbol.

New DR. PEPPER ZERO SUGAR in original, Cherry and “& Cream Soda” flavors is Kosher, and does not require a Kashrus symbol.

TRADER JOE’S RESTAURANT STYLE WHITE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS in a 9 oz. bag – OU Pareve, mistakenly contains Kosher dairy cheese puffs in some bags with Sell By dates of 08/09/21, 08/10/21, and 08/11/21. These bags have been recalled. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/snak-king-corporation-issues-allergy- alert-undeclared-milk-allergen-trader-joes-restaurant-style or 626-363-7711.

WILTON SWEET CENTERS CARAMEL TREAT FILLING contains dairy ingredients, as listed in the ingredient statement, but mistakenly bears a plain OU without a D.

HODGSON MILL WHOLE WHEAT INSTA-BAKE BAKING MIX contains dairy ingredients, as listed in the ingredient statement, but mistakenly bears a plain OU without a D on some boxes.

CAMILLE BLOCH SWISS MILK CHOCOLATE BAR, bearing certification of Rabbi Westheim / Rabbi Landau, mistakenly says Pareve on some labels. This product is dairy, Cholov Yisroel.

New TUMS NATURALS ANTACID Black Cherry & Watermelon variety contains carmine color, which is made from non-Kosher cochineal beetles, and therefore bears no Kosher marking. TUMS CHEWY BITES also contains carmine and bears no Kosher marking. Only those Tums products that bear a Kosher symbol are acceptable. Most state Pareve beneath the symbol; however, TUMS CHEWY DELIGHTS contains milk and is marked as Dairy.

BIG C PREMIUM SELECT – SEASONED Frozen French Fried Potatoes and BIG C PREMIUM SELECT – ZESTY SEASONED Extra Crispy Batter Coated Frozen French Fried Potatoes, sold at Restaurant Depot /Jetro Cash & Carry, do not bear an OU currently, in contrast to most other Big C French Fried Potatoes products that generally do bear an OU. Check every case for Kosher marking.

LIGHTLIFE FOODS PRODUCTS: Due to changes in production, the following Lightlife Foods Meatless products are no longer Kosher: Lightlife Smart Tenders Savory Chick’n, and Lightlife Smart Menu Veggie Meatballs. New packaging does not bear the OK symbol. Any remaining product bearing the OK symbol is certified.

CARAMEL CAPPUCCINO DRINK MIX by LIDL, distributed by LIDL US, LLC, bears an unauthorized cRc symbol.

SHNEIDER’S MA PURÉE MASHED POTATOES with Lot # L185597 has been recalled because some packages may contain non-Kosher dairy mashed potatoes. Product with this lot number should not be used.

PRODUCT RECALLS

SABRA CLASSIC HUMMUS 10 oz. with a “Best Before” date of 4/26/21 has been recalled because it is potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sabra-dipping-company-issues-limited-voluntary-recall-single-sku-classic-hummus or 866-265-6761.

REAL WATER brand ALKALIZED DRINKING WATER and WATER CONCENTRATE in all sizes have been recalled because they may be linked to certain instances of non-viral hepatitis. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls- market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/real-water-inc-issues-precautionary-recall-all-sizes-real-water-brand-drinking-water-due- possible?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#recall-announcement or 702-310-5437.

LA FE frozen PEPPERS & ONIONS bearing Lot # KR043021 has been recalled due to the probable presence of small pieces of blue plastic in the product. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gk-foods- usa-announces-voluntary-recall-batch-la-fe-peppers-and-onions or 201.329.6260 ext. 5137.

LIFETIME PRODUCTS 6-FOOT SEMINAR TABLE Model #80176 has been recalled because the brace arms can fail to lock the table legs into place and the table can collapse, posing an injury risk. Details are available at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/lifetime-products-recalls-6-foot-seminar-tables-due-to-injury-risk or 800-292-3865.

PSAK HALACHA RE: B’GAN UNSALTED MARGARINE SPREAD

On By

PSAK HALACHA regarding status of food prepared with the non-Kosher for Pesach B’GAN UNSALTED MARGARINE SPREAD : The poskim that were consulted have ruled that any food that was made with the margarine in which the margarine is less than 50% of the recipe, may be used for Pesach. No kashering is required. Any unused product should not be used for Pesach.

Urgent Pesach Notice – B’gan Unsalted Margarine Spread

On By

Some one pound blocks of B’GAN UNSALTED MARGARINE SPREAD have Kosher for Pesach marking on the outer cardboard box, but on the printed wrapping inside do not have Pesach marking and list non-Pesach ingredients. This margarine should not be used for Pesach.

K-COR: 2021-3-25 Pesach Update #2

On By

2021-3-25 Pesach Update PDF

J&J WHIPPED COTTAGE CHEESE in 16 oz. containers with a Best If Used By date of 04/18/21, and J&J SOUR CREAM in 16 oz. containers with a Best If Used By date of 05/05/21, were produced during a special Pesach production. Some of these containers inadvertently do not have Pesach marking, but they are nevertheless Kosher for Pesach.

YODER’S ORANGE JUICE in 52 oz. bottles with a plain OU, that have the letters KFP in the ink jet code on the bottle below the Best By date, are Kosher for Pesach.

Some 16 oz. containers of NATURAL & KOSHER ITALIAN COLLECTION RICOTTA CHEESE with a plain OK-D and no Pesach marking were mistakenly placed in the Pesach section at The Grove [One Stop] for a short time. These containers are not Kosher for Pesach. Please check every container.

SHNEIDER’S MA PUREE MASHED POTATOES with Lot # L185597 is marked as Pareve and Kosher for Pesach, but has been recalled because some packages may contain non-Kosher dairy mashed potatoes. This product with the above lot number should not be used.

K-COR: 2021-3-21 Pesach Update

On By

2021-3-21 Pesach Update PDF

THE GROVE [ONE STOP] PRE-CHECKED ROMAINE LETTUCE will be produced specially for Pesach later this week (not before Wednesday), and requires special Pesach marking.

HAIN IODIZED SEA SALT, made in Belgium, was mistakenly in the Pesach section at The Grove [One Stop] for a short time. This product contains dextrose which may be chometz. (In Europe, dextrose is produced mainly from wheat fermentation.)

BROWN SUGAR requires Pesach certification or Pesach approval. Brown sugar that bears the Vaad Harabbonim’s K-COR symbol, such as Big Chief and Pioneer brands, is not acceptable for Pesach. Other brands in the Michigan area that bear the K-COR symbol, such as Kroger and Baker’s Corner [Aldi] brands, are also not acceptable for Pesach. The listing of these two brands on page 74 of the OU Pesach Guide refers only to Kroger and Baker’s Corner brands in areas where they bear an OU symbol.

RAW PASTEURIZED ALMONDS, including whole, sliced or slivered (but not blanched, and not ground), that are commercially packaged and do not list any additives or preservatives, are acceptable for Pesach, unless the label states that wheat is present in the same facility.

MA COHEN’S CREAMED FILLET OF HERRING – OU-D that bears Pesach marking (either OU-P or “Kosher for Passover” in a circle below the OU), and the date FEB 22 or FEB 24 stamped on the label, is Cholov Yisroel in all sizes, although the labels do not state Cholov Yisroel. This is a one-time event; no other productions are or will be Cholov Yisroel.

SEVENTH GENERATION DISH LIQUID – OU is acceptable for Pesach without Pesach marking, and is also available in a “Free & Clear” variety, that is ideal for those looking for a fruit / vegetable wash for Pesach with no dyes or fragrances.

BABY / CHILDREN PRODUCTS:. For the convenience of our readers, we list here a summary of some commonly used Baby / Children products approved for Pesach by Rabbi Bess and Star-K or other reliable sources:

Advil Children’s Junior Strength Coated Tablets
Bayer Children’s Aspirin
Benadryl Children’s Allergy liquid and Dye-Free liquid – all flavors
Benadryl Children’s Allergy chewable tablets – Grape
Motrin Children’s Suspension – all flavors
Motrin Infants’ Drops – all flavors
Sudafed PE Children’s Nasal Decongestant – Berry
Sudafed PE Children’s Cold & Cough – Grape
Tylenol Children’s Suspension – all flavors
Tylenol Infants’ Suspension – all flavors
MiraLax Powder

Remember – check every label for Pesach certification!

We wish all our readers a Chag Kosher V’Sameach

2021 PesachGram

On By

The Vaad Harabbonim presents the online PesachGram.

The PesachGram may take a moment to load and appear. Click on the bottom icon on left of frame for fullscreen.

A PDF version of the PesachGram is also available for view and download:

PesachGram PDF


K-COR: 2021-3-5 KosherGram

On By

2021-3-5 KosherGram PDF

KEMACH SANDWICH COOKIES (all varieties) that were produced in 2021 are Chodosh, not Yoshon, even if the package states Yoshon. These can be identified by the number 21 at the end of the date code (e.g. 032 21).

ENFAMIL PROSOBEE SOY INFANT FORMULA POWDER has changed from OU Pareve to OU Dairy Equipment.

ORGANIC BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS from Z NATURAL FOODS is certified by EarthKosher as Dairy Equipment. Some labels are inadvertently missing the DE designation.

QUAKER BANANAS & CREAM INSTANT OATMEAL sold in Canada was incorrectly labelled without a Dairy designation. This product is certified COR Dairy.

WISE SALSA (sauces) – all varieties: The OU certified many varieties of Wise Salsas. Due to changes at Wise Foods, the OU can no longer certify them, and new jars will not bear the OU symbol. Jars that still bear the OU symbol are certified. Check each jar.

FOOD CLUB RICE MEDLEY WITH HERBS is not OU certified. Some boxes bear an unauthorized OU symbol. If you see this product in the marketplace, please provide details to kosherq@ou.org.

‘100% ORGANIC GLYCERINE’ being sold by ARYAN INTERNATIONAL of Greater Noida, UP, India, with only a Star-K symbol on the label is not authorized. Glycerin from Aryan International is required to display the Rabbi’s Hebrew signature in addition to the Star-K symbol, in order to be certified.

WILTON SPRINKLES RECALL: Wilton Brands has announced a national recall of all lots of six sprinkles products and one kit containing affected sprinkles, because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Details are available at www.wilton.com/recall or 800-794-5866.

PRE-PESACH SHOPPING ADVICE

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE BLANCHED ALMOND FLOUR at Costco: Some bags bear a Kof-K Pareve symbol (without Pesach marking), and some bags bear a K type symbol with the words “Certified for Passover”. Both types may be used for Pesach.

BLUE DIAMOND ALMOND FLOUR with a plain OK symbol may be used for Pesach.

GEFEN COCONUT MILK is certified by both the Volover Rav, Rabbi N.E. Teitelbaum, and the OU. The Volover Rav has issued a notice that all Gefen Coconut Milk (Sweetened and Unsweetened) is not Kosher for Pesach, despite the “Kosher for Pesach” print on the label. The OU maintains that this product is acceptable for use on
Pesach when bearing Pesach marking.

GREAT VALUE CONFECTIONERS POWDERED SUGAR (Walmart): Some on-line pictures of this product mistakenly show a UMK-P symbol. This contains corn starch and is not Kosher for Pesach. The actual product does not bear Pesach marking.

K-COR: 2021-2-5 KosherGram

On By

2021-2-5 KosherGram PDF

New MOUNTAIN DEW MAJOR MELON SODA, in regular and Zero Sugar varieties, is Kosher in the USA, Canada and Mexico, even without any Kashrus symbol.

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS in the white bag [“51% Cacao, Real Vanilla”, Costco Item #807473], which bears OU-D and does not list any dairy ingredients, was originally only dairy equipment. According to the OU, this status changed during 2020 to actual dairy ingredients, and any product purchased since March 2020 should be considered actual dairy. [Note: This product is being phased out, and is replaced by Costco Item #1331846 in a red bag, which bears OU-D and lists milkfat.]

HIDDEN VALLEY ORIGINAL RANCH SEASONING & SALAD DRESSING MIX in an 8 oz. shaker container contains buttermilk and is certified OU Dairy. Some older containers that may still be found in stores mistakenly bear only a plain OU without the D. Newer containers have been corrected and bear OU-D.

MILANO GIANT LADY FINGERS BISCUITS was incorrectly labeled with a COR DE [dairy equipment] symbol. This product is actually dairy and certified Kosher by COR [Toronto].

LOTUS FOODS HEAT & EAT RICE POUCHES
Scroll K [Denver] certification is being discontinued for the following three Lotus Foods Heat & Eat Rice products which are pre-cooked and sold in pouches:
• Organic White Jasmine & Forbidden Rice Blend Heat & Eat Pouch
• Organic White Jasmine Rice Heat & Eat Pouch
• Organic Brown Jasmine Rice Heat & Eat Pouch
Products that still bear the Scroll K symbol on the pouch are Kosher certified. Kosher certification of Lotus Foods raw rice products will continue.

DON ANECIO brand BALSAMIC VINEGAR and DON ANECIO BALSAMIC VINEGAR GLAZE are sold in the U.S. in retail and bulk packaging, and bear an unauthorized KLBD [London Beth Din] Kosher symbol. These are grape wine based products and are not Kosher. The KLBD symbol on the Don Anecio website is misleading.

AURORA TARALLI BARESI breadsticks in Plain, Black Pepper, Chilli Pepper and Fennel varieties bear an unauthorized MK [Montreal] symbol. In addition, these products have been marked Pareve when they are in fact Dairy.

FORRELLI ARTICHOKES (Allied International Corp.) bear an unauthorized OK symbol.

PRODUCT RECALLS

WEIS QUALITY COOKIES AND CREAM ICE CREAM in 48- ounce containers, with a UPC of 041497-01253 and with a sell by date of 10/28/21, has been recalled because the product may contain extraneous material, specifically metal filling equipment parts. More information is available at 866-999-9347.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATES has recalled the following milk chocolate products, with specific Best By dates, due to potential foreign objects, specifically brittle plastic pieces.
• Hazelnut Five Star Bar
• Fruit & Nut Five Star Bar
• Almond Five Star Bar
• Granola Five Star Bar
• Organic Milk Chocolate Bar with Sea Salt & Almonds
• Milk Chocolate Almond Bark
• Chocolates of Vermont Green Mountain
These products can be found within a variety of other gift packages, boxes and baskets. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/potential-foreign-object-recall-lake-champlain-chocolates-issues-voluntary-recall-selected-milk or email info@lakechamplainchocolates.com

K-COR: 2021-1-15 Kosher Notice – PREWASHED BRANDS OF ICEBERG GARDEN SALAD and COLESLAW

On By

PREWASHED BRANDS OF ICEBERG GARDEN SALAD and COLESLAW that normally bear OK certification, such as Dole, Kroger brand and Marketside [Walmart], currently do not bear the OK symbol on many bags. Even the same store may have a mixture of some bags with the OK and some without. This is due to increased infestation levels in some batches. Little Salad Bar brand at Aldi currently does bear the OK symbol, but this may change. Check every bag for the Kashrus symbol.

K-COR: 2020-12-28 KosherGram

On By

2020-12-28 KosherGram PDF

BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL (red, yellow and orange) are now being sold in U.S. stores, and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. They are being sold locally at Kroger, Meijer, Aldi and other stores. The brands include Gilad, Sunset, Kroger and others, both regular and organic. Consumers should carefully check the fine print on the package, and the sticker on individual peppers, for the country of origin.

Often the same brand has some peppers from Israel and some from other locations, so each individual package or pepper should be checked. Details of the tithing procedure can be found (courtesy of cRc Chicago) at https://www.crcweb.org/kosher_articles/Terumah_Maaser_Separation_(Dec%202016).pdf
Some additional examples of Israeli produce commonly found in the U.S. include tomatoes, carrots, citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, clementines and pomelos), persimmons (“Sharon Fruit”), pomegranates, mangos, dates, dill and parsley. Check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin.

EARTH KOSHER [Rabbi Sholom H. Adler] is an acceptable certification.

ORE-IDA POTATO PRODUCTS: Many, but not all, Ore-Ida frozen potato products are OU certified. Check each product for the OU symbol.

BROWNBERRY STUFFING: Most Brownberry Stuffing is no longer OU certified and does not bear the OU symbol.

HARIBO GUMMI CANDY in the general market contains animal gelatin and is not Kosher. Only special productions that state Distributed by Paskesz, with prominent Kosher marking from Rabbi O.Y. Westheim / Rabbi Shulem Landau printed on the front and back of the package, are Kosher, and are made with Kosher fish gelatin. Some packages found in Israel, and possibly other locations, have a sticker on the back stating in Hebrew “Kosher certified by Chug HaRambam of France”. This product is not Kosher and the sticker is fraudulent. It was applied without Haribo’s knowledge or approval.

Some ARTICHOKE HUMMUS PRODUCTS under the following brands bear an unauthorized KVH symbol; they are not certified: Cedar’s, Shop-Rite Supermarket, Joseph’s, Simply Enjoy, Sprouts Farmers Market, Green Way, Little Salad Bar [Aldi], Wellsley Farms [BJs], Lidl US, Price Chopper.

ENLIGHTENED brand DOUGH BITES, distributed by Beyond Better Foods, are missing the “Dairy” designation from their cRc symbol. These products contain dairy ingredients, as indicated on their ingredient panel. The following products are mislabeled:
Birthday Cake Cookie Dough Bites
Fudge Brownie Dough Bites
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Bites

K-COR: 2020-11-23 KosherGram

On By

2020-11-23 KosherGram PDF

BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL (red, yellow and orange) will soon begin appearing in U.S. stores, and will require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. Consumers should carefully check the fine print on the package, or the sticker on individual peppers sold loose, for the country of origin. Often the same brand has some peppers from Israel and some from other locations, so each individual package or pepper should be checked. Details of the tithing procedure can be found (courtesy of cRc Chicago) at Instructions for Separating Terumah and Ma’aser .

One should always be careful when buying produce to check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin. Some additional examples of Israeli produce commonly found in the U.S. include tomatoes, carrots, citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, clementines and pomelos), persimmons (“Sharon Fruit”), pomegranates, mangos, dates, dill and parsley.

DAKOTA BREAD COMPANY at 6879 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, is now under supervision of the Vaad Harabbonim and is certified Pareve and Pas Yisroel.

“KOSHER CHECK”, as found locally on Peanut Delight Peanut Butter sold at Aldi, is the symbol of the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of British Columbia and is acceptable (formerly known as BC Kosher).

TRADER JOE’S ALL NATURAL GLATT KOSHER YOUNG TURKEY that bears the OU and Rabbi Yechiel Babad symbols, and USDA # P-1015, is authorized and is acceptable. Its Kosher status can be further verified by the tiny [difficult to see] engravings in the metal crimp sealing the top of the bag. The upper end of the crimp bears the engraving P1015, and the lower end bears the letters OU and the word Kosher in Hebrew.

Some bags of FRESH EXPRESS ICEBERG GARDEN SALAD found recently in stores do not bear the Star-K symbol. These bags are not Star-K certified and are not recommended. Even the same store may have a mixture of some bags with the Star-K and some without. This may also apply to some store brands that normally bear the Star-K. Check each bag.

KROGER HEARTY VEGETABLE READY TO SERVE SOUP (18.8 oz. can) no longer bears an OU, and is no longer certified.

LOTUS BISCOFF SPREAD, made in Belgium, has Kosher certification only for special productions, and should be accepted only when bearing the Chug Chasam Sofer Bnai Brak symbol printed on the label. Some jars have only “K-Pareve Chug” ink jetted on the side of the unsecured cap, and no Kosher marking on the label. According to our information, the Kashrus status of these jars is questionable.

SLIMFAST KETO FAT BOMB SNACK CRISPS bears an unauthorized OU on some packages. This product is not OU certified.

MAYNARDS SOUR PATCH KIDS FROZEN DESSERT & LEMON SORBET from Nestlé Canada (1.5L tub) bears an unauthorized COR 95 Dairy symbol. This product is not Kosher.

GOOD NEIGHBORS TABOULI SALAD bears an unauthorized KVH Kosher symbol. Although other Good Neighbors products are KVH certified, Tabouli is not certified due to infestation issues.

PENN DUTCH COOKIES of various types, sold by Penn Dutch Cookie & Biscuit LLC, bear an unauthorized OK symbol. These products are not OK certified.

GOLCHIN GIARDINIERA, with a Best Before date of 12/20/2024 or earlier, bears an unauthorized KSA Kosher symbol. This product is not Kosher certified.

PARTANNA VINAIGRETTES (all varieties) are not OU certified. Some bottles bear an unauthorized OU symbol. If you see this product in the marketplace, please provide details to kosherq@ou.org .

WHOLE FOODS MARKET COOKING ORGANIC SEASONING Spice Pouches in the following two varieties are mislabeled:

• Umami Magic Dust bears an unauthorized Scroll K symbol. It is not certified Kosher.
• Lemon Herb with Thyme contains buttermilk, but mistakenly bears a plain Scroll K symbol without the D.

BELMONT frozen PUMPKIN PIE sold at Aldi contains milk powder and whey, but was mistakenly labeled with a plain Kof-K symbol without the D. This product is certified Kof-K Dairy.

TRISCUIT ROSEMARY & JALAPENO WITH CHIA SEEDS CRACKERS contains dairy ingredients and is certified OU Dairy. Some packaging in Canada mistakenly bears only a plain OU symbol without the D.

READY PROTEIN WATER in all varieties contains whey, a dairy ingredient, and is certified OU Dairy. Some labels mistakenly bear only a plain OU symbol without the D.

ARCTIC ZERO NON-DAIRY FROZEN DESSERT is certified OK Dairy. Some packages of the following varieties mistakenly bear a plain OK without the D: Brownie Blast, Cherry Chocolate Chunk and Cookie Dough Chunk.

PRODUCT RECALL

MISS VICKIE’S CANADA POTATO CHIPS RECALL: Certain Miss Vickie’s brand Kettle Cooked Potato Chips made in Canada have been recalled due to the possible presence of pieces of glass. Details are available at https://www.inspection.gc.ca/food-recall-warnings-and-allergy-alerts/2020-11-03/eng/1604456061321/1604456069989?print=1#r04 or at 866-264-2056.