COBURN FARMS “EGGZACTLY” LIQUID EGG PRODUCT sold locally at Save-A-Lot bears an OU-P on some of the display cases containing 12 containers, but the individual 16 oz. containers themselves bear only a plain OU. These should not be used for Pesach.
Remember – check every label for Pesach certification!
The following COR certified brands of PITA BREAD are no longer Pas Yisroel. This applies to all packages that have a date of APR 14 or later on their plastic closure, except for the Trader Joe’s brand for which the date is APR 12.
By popular demand, a PDF version of the PesachGram is now available for download below. The Online PesachGram is available for viewing in an earlier post, and a paper version should arrive in the mail soon. Chag Kasher v’Somayach!
To sign up for Pesach Alerts, complete the form at cordetroit.com/pesach.
By popular demand, a PDF version of the PesachGram is now available for download:
PesachGram PDF
2014-3-24 Kashrus Alerts are available for PDF download.
The K-COR has been informed that Yad Ezra is distributing Damka brand red and orange bell peppers from Israel. Please be aware that Terumos and Maaseros must be taken. Details of the tithing procedure can be found (courtesy of cRc Chicago) at: http://www.crcweb.org/kosher_articles/Terumah%20and%20Ma’aser%20Separation%20(Apr%202013)-with%20pictures.pdf
Yad Ezra will post signs that these peppers are from Israel.
Consumers should always carefully check the sticker, bag label or original case of all produce for the country of origin. Israeli produce commonly found in stores includes red, yellow and orange bell peppers, tomatoes on the vine, citrus fruit, persimmons, red pomelos and medjool dates.
March 7, 2014
Be aware that thrips larvae (and not just adult thrips) have been found inside the tubes of scallions. Thrips larvae are white and translucent – see example images below. Consumers are advised to use a lightbox to see inside the tubes in order to determine whether thrips are present.
Infestations have been found in celery as well. Example images are included below.
Click to view larger example images.
LAWASH brand FLATBREAD from American Bakery Products that is manufactured after March 15, will continue to be certified Kosher by the COR when bearing the K-COR symbol, but will no longer be Pas Yisroel . The date of manufacture can be determined by the last six digits of the manufacturing code stamped on the bag; e.g., 031514 =March 15, 2014.
PITA BREAD from American Bakery Products will remain Pas Yisroel (glow plug method), when bearing the K-COR symbol.
COOPER STREET COOKIES are no longer Pas Yisroel. They are certified Kosher when bearing the K-COR symbol.
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.
2013-12-31: A Kashrus Alert regarding fresh pineapple is available for PDF download.