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:
Currently viewing the category: "Kosher Alerts"
2025-2-12 KosherGram PDF
THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher-pareve and bear an OU on the bottle cap or engraved into the can lid:
- COCA-COLA ORANGE CREAM – regular and Zero Sugar
- SPRITE VANILLA FROST SODA Limited Edition
THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher-pareve (no symbol required):
- PEPSI WILD CHERRY & CREAM – regular and Zero Sugar
- DR PEPPER BLACKBERRY – regular and Zero Sugar
AM FRESH NORTH AMERICA GRAPEFRUIT sold at Costco are produce of Israel as stated on the plastic bag closures (and on the cases – “Jaffa / Mehadrin – Israel”), and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros.
POMEGRANATES FROM ISRAEL are available in U.S. stores, and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros. Consumers should check the stickers on the individual fruit, or the original cases, for the country of origin. Pomegranates from most countries list the country name on the sticker; those that do not are very likely from Israel, and their original case must be checked in the store.
CAROUSEL’S SOFT SERVE ICERY, despite a Kosher symbol and “Kosher” claims on its website and trucks, does not have Kashrus certification of its stores or trucks. While the company may purchase a number of Kosher certified products, their certifications apply only to the products in their original sealed packaging bearing Kosher marking. There is no supervision at the store or truck level to guarantee the Kashrus of the product in the soft serve machines, or of the repackaged or loose products.
IDAHOAN “ORIGINAL MASHED POTATOES” does not bear an OU symbol on new boxes due to a printing error, but is still certified OU Pareve.
RICOLA THROAT DROPS: The following varieties, only when sold in bags or boxes, are recommended by the cRc [Chicago Rabbinical Council]. No marking is required. They are not recommended when sold in stick-packs.
- Original (Natural) Herb
- Honey Herb
- Lemon Mint
- Lemon Mint – Sugar Free
GREAT VALUE TACO SHELLS [Walmart] no longer bear the Kof-K symbol and are not certified, although online pictures may still show the symbol.
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE CERTIFIED KOSHER DAIRY. Some labels mistakenly do not bear the D designation:
- CASA DE COCOA DARK and MILK CHOCOLATE COVERED ALMONDS [OU-D]
- ROLD GOLD AUNTIE ANNE’S CINNAMON SUGAR FLAVORED PRETZEL TWISTS [OU-D]
- MOMMY KNOWS BEST LACTATION COOKIES [cRc-D]
- PURATOS CHOCOLANTÉ DARK CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS [cRc-D]
- BANG COOKIES [OK-D]
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR UNAUTHORIZED KASHRUS MARKING on some labels:
- Various GUMMY CANDIES from DURHAM PECAN CO. sold at Food Lion – unauthorized Kof-K symbol. These items are not Kosher. Flavors include Summer Freedom Bears, Summer Freedom Rings and Sherbert Gummi Ice Pops.
- TERRA VITA OIL PRODUCTS – unauthorized OU symbol.
- OSMO CHICKEN & HERBS SALT – unauthorized OU symbol.
- HAPPY DAY WHEY PROTEIN – unauthorized OU symbol.
- NULU BOURBON WHISKEY – unauthorized cRc symbol on sticker.
- NUDA TEQUILA – all products – unauthorized OK symbol.
- CUCINA VIVA frozen QUARTERED ARTICHOKE HEARTS – unauthorized Star-K symbol. The Star-K does not certify artichoke hearts due to insect infestation.
- LOCAL ROOTS KOMBUCHA Tea products – unauthorized EarthKosher symbol.
- HIGHVIBE MUSHROOMS products – unauthorized EarthKosher symbol.
PRODUCT RECALLS and WARNINGS
NUGO DARK CHOCOLATE CHIP and NUGO DARK CHOCOLATE PRETZEL PROTEIN BARS, certified OU Pareve, have been recalled due to the presence of undeclared milk, which poses a serious health risk for consumers with dairy allergies or severe sensitivities. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lifestyle-evolution-voluntarily-recalls-nugo-dark-chocolate-chip-and-nugo-dark-pretzel-due or 888-421-2032. According to the OU, the small amount of milk is an allergen concern, but does not affect the Kashrus status.
TRADER JOE’S, GENOVA, VAN CAMP’S and H-E-B brands of CANNED TUNA PRODUCTS have been recalled due to possible contamination with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Details are available at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tri-union-seafoods-issues-recall-of-select-genova-van-camps-h-e-b-and-trader-joes-tuna-cans-due-to-clostridium-botulinum-risk-302371717.html or 833-374-0171.
CPSC warning: HAIYEATBNB ELECTRIC IMMERSION WATER HEATERS sold on Amazon pose a risk of serious injury and death due to fire and burn hazards. Details are available at https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2025/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-HAIYEATBNB-Electric-Immersion-Water-Heaters-Sold-on-Amazon-com-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-and-Death
ZEMAN’S RYE BREAD SOLD FROM FRIDAY JANUARY 24 THROUGH MONDAY JANUARY 27 MAY NOT BE YOSHON. BEGINNING TUESDAY JANUARY 28 IT WILL AGAIN BE YOSHON.
Regarding other Zeman’s products, all are Yoshon except for the following that are not Yoshon:
2024-11-11 Kashrus Alert
The Grove [Detroit] Dark Chocolate Bridge Mix sold in the last two weeks is labeled as pareve, but mistakenly contains dairy (non-Cholov Yisroel) items. These packages can be identified by a mixture of lighter and darker colored items, and should be returned to the store for a full refund.
2024-11-7 KosherGram PDF
THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher and pareve (no symbol required):
- DR PEPPER CREAMY COCONUT Limited Edition – regular and Zero Sugar
- MOUNTAIN DEW VOO DEW 2024 MYSTERY FLAVOR Limited Edition – regular and Zero Sugar
- 7-UP S.T. POMEGRANATE & CHERRY Limited Edition – regular and Zero Sugar
BASKIN-ROBBINS “NON-DAIRY” ICE CREAM & SORBET FLAVORS, including Non-Dairy Cookies ‘n Crème, Non-Dairy Mint ChocoChunk, Daiquiri Ice, and Lemon Sorbet, are certified Star-D Dairy. The Star-K has confirmed that these products should be considered Dairy, and not only Dairy Equipment [DE].
L’OVEN FRESH [Aldi] SWIRL RAISIN CINNAMON BREAD with a computer generated OU symbol is OU certified (not Pas Yisroel).
ALDI SUPPLIER CHANGES: Following are some examples of Aldi products that no longer bear an OU in certain regions, due to changes in suppliers. In other areas they may still bear an OU; check each label.
- BURMAN’S TOMATO KETCHUP {Detroit area]
- EARTHLY GRAINS LONG GRAIN & WILD RICE MIX – ROASTED VEGETABLE & CHICKEN FLAVORED
- MILLVILLE BRAN FLAKES [Detroit and NJ; product of Germany]
- MILLVILLE KOOKIES CEREAL [NJ; product of Germany]
- MILLVILLE COCOA PEANUT BUTTER PUFFS CEREAL [NJ; product of Germany]
GREAT VALUE [Walmart] TOMATO KETCHUP – regular: Some bottles bear an OU, while others do not. Check each bottle.
WELLSLEY FARMS [BJ’s] COCKTAIL BEEF FRANKS IN PASTRY is no longer Kosher and does not bear an OU, due to a change in suppliers.
KRAFT NATURAL CHEESE STRING CHEESE products will no longer be OU certified, and will not bear an OU-D symbol on new packages.
NATURE NATE’S POPPED SORGHUM products’ OU certification has been terminated due to Kashrus violations. All products, even when bearing the OU symbol, are not certified. [Note that Nature Nate’s Honey is made by a different company and is OU certified when bearing the OU symbol.]
VICTORIA MIXED PICKLES S.L. (SPAIN) products’ Star-K certification has been terminated for all products due to Kashrus violations.
GALIL ISRAELI MEDJOOL DATES with Beis Din Minchas Chinuch certification have been found to be infested on the outside with mites and require a thorough washing of the outside flesh, in addition to the regular checking methods recommended for dates.
FRONTIER BAKERY PUNJABI COOKIES sold at Costco with a COR [Canada] symbol are pareve. The milk ingredient listed on the label is an error.
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CONTAIN DAIRY INGREDIENTS and are certified Kosher Dairy. Some labels mistakenly do not bear the D designation:
- BAKER’S TREAT [Aldi] APPLE CINNAMON MINI MUFFINS and PUMPKIN SPICE MINI MUFFINS [OU-D]
- MEIJER GLAZED MAPLE PECANS [OK-D]
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS BEAR UNAUTHORIZED KASHRUS MARKING on some labels:
- INSPIRED ORGANICS frozen ORGANIC CUT SPINACH (Warren, MI) – unauthorized cRc symbol.
- CLEVELAND MAYONNAISE CHIPOTLE MAYO – unauthorized OU symbol (and dairy).
- DULET WHEY POWDER – unauthorized DK symbol.
- Y&B SPRING ROLLS – unauthorized Kosher symbol, not Kosher.
- NORTHEAST QUARTERED ARTICHOKE HEARTS [Foodservice #10 cans] – unauthorized Star-K symbol.
- ZANDER MILK CHOCOLATE GUMMY BEARS – unauthorized Kof-K symbol, not Kosher.
- FITJOY brand CRACKER ROUNDS – CLASSIC, CHEEZY WHITE CHEDDAR, and PEPPER JACK – unauthorized Kof-K symbol, not Kosher.
- ORGANIC TRADITIONS WHITE MULBERRIES and ORGANIC TRADITIONS GOJI BERRIES – unauthorized OU symbol.
- BREWLI TEA PRODUCTS – unauthorized Earth K symbol.
PRODUCT RECALLS
FROZEN WAFFLE and PANCAKE PRODUCTS under more than 40 brand names have been recalled due to the potential for Listeria monocytogenes contamination, including Breakfast Best [Aldi], Clover Valley [Dollar General], Good & Gather [Target], Great Value [Walmart], Kroger, Trader Joe’s, and many others. Details are available at https://www.treehousefoods.com/news-and-media/press-release-details/2024/TreeHouse-Foods-Announces Expansion-of-Voluntary-Recall-to-Include-All-Waffle-and-Pancake-Products-Due-to-the-Potential-for-Listeria-monocytogenes-Contamination/default.aspx or 800-596-2903.
KODIAK POWER WAFFLES BUTTERMILK & VANILLA 40 ct (Use By Date: 01/10/26, Lot: 24193-WL4) sold at Costco has been recalled due to contamination with pieces of plastic film. Details are available at https://kodiakcakes.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions?_pos=1&_sid=23061d3c9&_ss=r or 801-328- 4067.
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
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.
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.
2024-7-4 KosherGram PDF
OASIS MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE BULGAR WHEAT is no longer Star-K certified, and no longer bears the
Star-K symbol. Some packages were mistakenly sold recently at The Grove.
[Note: Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine Taboule Salad is also no longer Star-K certified, as reported last year.]
2024-5-14 KosherGram PDF
THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher and pareve (no symbol required):
- MOUNTAIN DEW BAJA POINT BREAK PUNCH Limited Edition
- MOUNTAIN DEW BAJA LAGUNA LEMONADE Limited Edition
- CANADA DRY “FRUIT SPLASH” CHERRY GINGER ALE – regular and Zero Sugar
THE FOLLOWING NEW SODAS are Kosher and pareve and bear an OU on the bottle cap or engraved into the can lid:
- COCA-COLA SPICED – regular and Zero Sugar
- SPRITE CHILL CHERRY LIME Limited Edition – regular and Zero Sugar
New FRUITWORKS “PEACH GINGER LEMONADE” FREEZE FCB Slurpee syrup is Kosher and pareve (no symbol required). The label on the syrup box in the back of the store must be checked to verify the brand and flavor.
KATZ GLUTEN FREE OAT BREAD and OAT ROLLS mistakenly state that the bracha is ‘Shehakol’. The correct bracha for these products is ‘Hamotzi’.
DUNKIN’ CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES: Certifiers of Kosher DUNKIN’ DONUTS STORES should be aware that the “KD” on the label of these cookies is a non-Orthodox certification.
The following products are not certified Kosher, but bear unauthorized Kashrus marking on some labels:
- FLORA ALFREDO SAUCE – unauthorized OK symbol.
- TONGMASTER SEASONINGS SAUSAGE CASINGS – unauthorized OK symbol.
- EDIBLE COLLAGEN CASINGS – unauthorized Vaad HaKashrus Belz USA certificate.
- NATURE NATE’S POPPED SORGHUM (all varieties) – unauthorized OU symbol displayed online. [If you find actual packages in the store with an OU, please send details to kosherq@ou.org ]
- IL PALAZZO PROSECCO SPARKLING WINE – unauthorized OU symbol on the seal. [If you find this product, please send details to kosherq@ou.org ]
- OMAHA STEAKS SALT & PEPPER SEASONING – unauthorized OU symbol.
- MR. NUT DRIED MULBERRY – unauthorized Star-K symbol.
PRODUCT RECALLS and WARNINGS
MARTINELLI’S GOLD MEDAL APPLE JUICE in one liter bottles with a Best By date of 09MAR2026 or 10MAR2026 on the front of the bottle (above the label) has been recalled due to elevated arsenic levels. Details are available at https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/05/martinellis-gold-medal-apple-juice-recalled-over-elevated-arsenic-levels/ or 800-662-1868.
HELADOS MEXICO ICE CREAM MINIS VARIETY PACK with a Best By date of 10/11/2025 has been recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination in the Mango bars. Details are available at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tropicale-foods-recalls-helados-mexico-mini-cream-variety-pack-because-possible-health-risk or 909-563-3090.
TIDE, GAIN, ACE and ARIEL brands of LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT PODS have been recalled due to defective packaging that poses risk of serious injury. Details are available at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Procter-Gamble-Recalls-8-2-Million-Defective-Bags-of-Tide-Gain-Ace-and-Ariel-Laundry-Detergent-Packets-Distributed-in-US-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury or 833-347-5764.
ROLLER BALL CANDY TYPE PRODUCTS: The candy’s rolling ball can dislodge and become trapped in a child’s throat, posing a fatal choking risk. See https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Purchasing-and-Using-All-Roller-Ball-Candy-Type-Products-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-One-Death-Reported
WATER BEADS are a danger to young children & can be deadly if swallowed. See CPSC warning at https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Toys-Crafts-Water-Beads/Water-Beads-A-Danger-to-Young-Children-Can-Be-Deadly-if-Swallowed?utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20240319
2023-3-26 Pesach Update PDF
PACKAGES OF THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS WITHOUT PESACH MARKING were for a brief time mistakenly placed in the Pesach section at The Grove. Check every label of your purchases for Pesach marking:
- GEFEN CHUNK LIGHT TUNA IN OIL
- GEFEN SOLID WHITE ALBACORE TUNA IN OIL
- GEFEN MUSTARD
- UNGER’S MAYONNAISE
- GEFEN ULTRA DISH SOAP LIQUID [Pesach containers bear OU-P. Non-Pesach containers bear a plain OU and state “Not for Passover use”.]
RODELLE BAKING COCOA with a Scroll K symbol, sold at Costco, is acceptable for Pesach without Pesach marking.
BARTENURA WINES IN CANS are available in four varieties. The Moscato and Rosato wines are Kosher for Pesach and bear an OU-P. The Peach Moscato and Lychee Moscato flavored wines are not Kosher for Pesach and state “Not for Passover”.
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 will differ. Check each bottle carefully.
AM FRESH NORTH AMERICA GRAPEFRUIT, sold at some Costco stores, are produce of Israel as stated on the plastic bag closures and as stated on the cases (“Jaffa / Mehadrin – Israel”), and require taking of Terumos and Maaseros.
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 or other reliable sources:
- Advil Children’s Suspension – all flavors
- Advil Infants’ Drops – Grape
- Allegra Allergy Children’s Suspension
- Allegra Allergy Children’s 12 Hour Tablets
- Bayer Children’s Aspirin
- Benadryl Children’s Allergy liquid and Dye-Free liquid – all flavors
- Benadryl Children’s Allergy Chewable tablets – Grape
- Enfamil D-Vi-Sol Drops, Poly-Vi-Sol Drops, Poly-Vi-Sol Drops with Iron, Tri-Vi-Sol Drops – OU
- Kosher-Meds Children’s Ibuprofen Suspension – Berry Flavor – OU
- Motrin Children’s Suspension – all flavors
- Motrin Infants’ Drops – all flavors
- Sudafed PE Children’s Nasal Decongestant liquid
- Sudafed PE Children’s Cold & Cough liquid
- Tylenol Children’s Cold + Cough + Runny Nose liquid
- Tylenol Children’s Cold + Cough + Sore Throat liquid
- Tylenol Children’s Suspension – all flavors
- Tylenol Infants’ Suspension – all flavors
- MiraLax Powder
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:
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.
2024-2-5 KosherGram PDF
BELL PEPPERS FROM ISRAEL (red, yellow and orange) are now found in U.S. stores, and 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 Star-K) at https://www.star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/KCSmall_Terumos.pdf
[Note: A bracha is generally not recited, due to the possibility that the separations were already made in Eretz Yisroel.]
One should always be careful when buying produce to check the sticker, bag label or original case for the country of origin. Other 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.
DUNCAN HINES MIXES: The OU has confirmed that all Duncan Hines Cake Mixes and all Duncan Hines Brownie Mixes are always Yoshon.
LIEBER’S PRETZELS with the code “015X” have an erroneously printed label indicating Yoshon on some bags. These products are not actually Yoshon, as Chodosh malt was accidentally used in this particular batch.
RICOLA COUGH / THROAT DROPS: Only the following varieties are recommended by the cRc (Chicago Rabbinical Council). They do not require a certification sticker: Original (Natural) Herb, Honey Herb, and Lemon Mint – regular and Sugar Free.
TWIZZLERS GUMMIES: While most Twizzlers candies are Kosher and bear an OU, Twizzlers Gummies candy contains non-Kosher gelatin and therefore bears no OU. (However, Twizzlers Press’d Gummies, sold in Canada, do not contain gelatin and are OU certified when bearing the OU symbol.)
UTZ brand WAVY ORIGINAL POTATO CHIPS in 2.75 oz. bags inadvertently contain dairy seasoning [Kosher] in some bags with a May 06 2024 expiration date and batch number 23363030203, and have been recalled. This product was distributed in the New York Metropolitan area. Details are available at https://www.utzsnacks.com/blogs/news or 800-367-7629.
The following products contain dairy ingredients and are certified Kosher Dairy. Some labels mistakenly do not bear the D designation:
- HIDDEN VALLEY ORIGINAL RANCH – DRESSING, DIP & SAUCE MIX [OU-D]
- OLD VIENNA OF ST. LOUIS HONEY BBQ RANCH FLAVORED POTATO CHIPS 2.5 oz. bags [OU-D]
- FRESHNESS GUARANTEED [Walmart] COCONUT CREME PIE [Scroll K-D]
- BIRCH BENDERS BLUEBERRY MUFFIN MIX [OU-D]
- Many KASIA’S PRODUCTS are cRc-D certified. The “D” on the label may appear to resemble a “P”, but is actually a D. [Note that some Kasia’s products are non-Kosher.]
The following products bear unauthorized Kashrus marking on some labels:
- GREAT VALUE [Walmart] CRANBERRY 100% JUICE (“Cranberry Blend of 4 Juices” is stated at the bottom of the label in small font) – unauthorized OU symbol; contains grape juice. [Note: “Great Value Cranberry Juice Cocktail” is OU certified when bearing the OU symbol.]
- MOTT’S CLAMATO ORIGINAL and EXTRA SPICY in 213 ml cans, sold in Canada – unauthorized OK symbol. These products are not Kosher (contain clam broth).
- A SWAGMAN’S SHOP HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS (Midland, Texas) sold on eBay – unauthorized Star-K symbol. They are made with non-Kosher gelatin capsules.
- SADAF brand MAMOUL WITH DATE, BARAZEK WITH SESAME, and BAKLAVA – unauthorized Star-K symbol.
- FRUITIQUE CHEESE & GUAVA SQUAREBAR ARTISAN ICE CREAM BARS – unauthorized Star-D symbol. This product is not Kosher. Other Fruitique and Frutik products also bear an unauthorized Star-D; their Kashrus status is under review.
- TAZAH STUFFED VINE LEAVES – unauthorized OU symbol.
- ALTIN AYMAK DRIED CHERRY PLUMS – unauthorized OU symbol.
- PREMOLI DRESSINGS [updated cRc alert] – unauthorized cRc symbol on several varieties, including Greek Original, Lively Lemon, Tangy Balsamico, and Sweet Basil, which contain red wine and balsamic vinegar and most likely are not Kosher.
RECALLS
QUAKER OATS CO. has recalled the following products due to potential Salmonella contamination: Quaker Granola Bars, Quaker Cereals (including granola cereals and Oatmeal Squares), Cap’n Crunch Treats Bars, Cap’n Crunch Cereals, and Snack Mixes and Variety Packs containing these products. This recall does not include: Quaker Oats, Quaker Instant Oatmeals, Quaker Grits, Quaker Oat Bran, and Quaker Oat Flour. Details are available at https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/01/quacker-oats-expands-december-product-recall-over-salmonella-contamination/ or 800-492-9322. [Note: The following products, that were mentioned in the 1/30/24 Links to the Vaad Kashrus alerts regarding the Quaker recall, are not Kosher certified: Quaker Rice Snacks, Cap’n Crunch Instant Oatmeals, Gatorade Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, and Munchies Mix Munch Mix.]
NUTRAMIGEN HYPOALLERGENIC INFANT FORMULA POWDER with specific batch codes has been recalled due to a possibility of contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. No Nutramigen liquid formulas or any other Reckitt nutrition products are affected. Details are available at www.enfamil.com or 866-534-9986. For Canada: Enfamil brand Nutramigen A+ LGG Hypoallergenic (infant formula) recalled due to possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii – Canada.ca . [Note: This formula is not Kosher certified, but may be Halachically permitted upon consultation with a Rav.]