2019-5-27 Kashrus Alerts PDF available for download.
DOLE FRUIT PRODUCTS “IN 100% FRUIT JUICE” that in the past bore an OU and contained Kosher grape juice, are no longer using Kosher grape juice, and new packages therefore no longer bear the OU symbol. This includes Dole Mandarin Oranges, Tropical Fruit, Mixed Fruit, Peaches, Pears, Grapefruit, etc. in cans, cups and plastic jars that say “In 100% Fruit Juice” and list white grape juice concentrate in the ingredients. Packages that still bear the OU were produced before this change. Every package should be carefully checked for the OU symbol.
Some FIBER ONE BARS (especially “Chewy” types) that were previously OU certified are no longer certified, due to changes in manufacturing procedures, and will no longer bear an OU. Check each package for the OU symbol.
HINT MINT mint candies are no longer KSA certified. Any products in stores that still bear the KSA symbol are not certified.
JOY CONE PRODUCTS: Due to changes in manufacturing procedures, Joy Sugar Cones, Waffle Cones, Waffle Bowls and Pretzel Cones are now produced on dairy (non-Cholov Yisroel) equipment, and will be labeled Star-D Dairy. Their ingredients have not changed. Joy Cake Cones and Gluten Free Cake Cones will remain Star-K Pareve.
NATURAL OVENS BAKERY – The following Natural Ovens breads with an OU are Pas Yisroel:
• Whole Grain – Right Wheat
• Whole Grain – Multi-Grain
• 100% Whole Grain
• Better White
• Oatmeal
Natural Ovens Organic 100% Whole Grain Wheat Bread with CK [Cincinnati Kosher] certification, sold at Costco, is not Pas Yisroel.
Natural Ovens Better Wheat Buns (retail product) with an OU is Pas Yisroel per the “Glow Plug method” [an electrical heating element turned on by the Mashgiach], which most Kashrus agencies consider Pas Yisroel. (The OU, however, based on a psak of Rabbi Yisroel Belsky zt’l, does not accept this as Pas Yisroel.)
S. ROSEN’S BREADS, BUNS AND ROLLS (retail products) with an OU are Pas Yisroel per the “Glow Plug method” [see above].
WILD PLANET SKIPJACK WILD TUNA and WILD PLANET ALBACORE WILD TUNA in cans and pouches that bear the letters B.Y. next to the OU symbol are Bishul Yisroel. They are not produced with Mashgiach Temidi. Cans and pouches that do not bear B.Y. are not Bishul Yisroel.
GERBER 2ND FOODS PEAR CUPS: The OU certifies many varieties of Gerber 2nd Foods products that are packed in 4 oz. aseptic cups. Each cup bears the ink-jetted name of the product. [See https://s3.images-iherb.com/gbr/gbr07606/l/1.jpg ] The OU symbol appears only on the cardboard sleeve that holds the cups. [See https://s3.images-iherb.com/gbr/gbr07606/y/0.jpg ] Some Gerber Pear sleeves with the OU symbol were mistakenly used for Gerber Apple Chicken Dinner cups, a non-Kosher product. Consumers should carefully check that the ink-jetted name on the cups matches the product description that is on the cardboard sleeve. The mislabeled products are being recalled.
LIRA BALSAMIC VINEGAR from Castella Imports, Inc. bears an unauthorized OK Kosher symbol. This product is not OK certified.
Frozen COLLARD GREENS distributed by ENDICO POTATOES, Inc. bear an unauthorized Kof-K symbol, plus K#1919, on some packages. This product is not Kof-K certified.
SARDO ANTIPASTO JALAPENOS STUFFED WITH FETA CHEESE bears an unauthorized COR 77 symbol, and is not Kosher.
ROSELI brand SALSA PARA PASTAS DE PRIMERA distributed by US Foods, an institutional product, is not OU certified. An unauthorized OU symbol was removed from the packaging in August 2018. Anyone seeing this product with an OU is asked to contact the OU hotline at 212-613-8241 or KosherQ@OU.org.
HAPPY CHEF CANNED SWEET PEAS in #10 cans (institutional size) bear an unauthorized Star-K symbol. This product is not Kosher certified.
PRODUCT RECALLS
BAKERS CORNER ALL PURPOSE FLOUR sold at Aldi in 5 lb. bags with UPC # 041498130404 has been recalled in 11 states, including the Northeastern U.S. plus Ohio and W. Virginia, due to potential presence of E. coli. Details are available at https://corporate.aldi.us/en/newsroom/product-recalls or 800-422-1688.
The FDA and CDC remind consumers not to consume any raw products made with flour.. Flour is made from wheat that is grown outdoors where bacteria are often present, and is typically not treated to kill bacteria during the normal milling process. Anything made with flour must be cooked or baked before eating. Salmonella is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.
One lot of HUNT’S TOMATO PASTE NO SALT ADDED 6 oz. cans has been recalled due to potential mold contamination. Details are available at https://www.conagrabrands.com/news-room or 877-266-2472.
Four lots of CHIPS AHOY! CHEWY COOKIES 13oz. packages have been recalled due to potential for an unexpected solidified ingredient. Details are available at http://m.chipsahoy.com or 844-366-1171.
IMPOSSIBLE BURGER vegan burger, that bears lot number OAK19050000 on the case and on the five-pound packaged block, was recalled after a restaurant found a piece of plastic in the bulk product. Details are available at eater.com