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.
Questions and answers about kashrus in the Greater Detroit area.
Download PDF format.
2013-11-25 Kashrus Alerts are available for PDF download.
The 2013 Over the Counter Medicine Report of the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc) has been uploaded. The report is a comprehensive list of guidelines for kashrus in medication.
Download the 2013 OTC Medicine Report here. It is also available under the “Kosher” menu above.
For questions, contact the Vaad at 248-558-5005.
From Star-K Certification:
October 29, 2013
Cans of Happy Harvest brand Candied Yams, 16 oz. size can, were labeled with the STAR-K in error. This product contains a dairy ingredient.
This product was produced by Moody Dunbar and sold in Aldi’s stores.
Corrective action has been taken. New labels will no longer bear the STAR-K symbol.
Cans of Happy Harvest Cut Sweet Potatoes, 15 oz. can size, correctly bear the STAR-K symbol and are pareve.
Epic Kosher Catering is now the exclusive kosher caterer at The Met hotel, located in Troy, MI.
Details can be found in the attached update document: Download PDF →
October 7, 2013
The following alert was sent out by the KOF-K:
Starbucks’ Toasted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa (10 oz. tin distributed by Conifer Specialties) mistakenly bears the Kof-K symbol. This is a non-kosher item. Corrective action is being taken. Please direct all questions and comments directly to the KOF-K at 201-837-0500
or http://www.kof-k.org/
Also:
HERSHEY’S SYRUPS: all Hershey’s Chocolate, Strawberry, Caramel and Sundae Syrups that bear an OU-D contain actual dairy. Please direct all questions and comments directly to the OU at 212-613-8241 or http://www.ou.org/