Kosher Alerts
 

Shatnez

The following brands typically contain Shatnez:

Armani-Italy Barneys New York-Italy

Brioni- Italy Brooks Brothers- U.S.A.

Burberry -U.S.A. Calvin Klien Collection-Italy

Canali-Italy Cantarelli-Italy

Cerruli 1881-Italy Citterio

Cornelliani-Italy Di Pal Zileri-Italy

Donna Karan Dunhill

Ermenegildo Zegna Faconnable-Italy

Gian Luca-Italy Gianni Versace –Italy

Giorgio Armani- Italy Hathaway-Italy

Hickey-Freeman- U.S.A Hugo Boss

Kiton-Italy Mani-Mexico

Marcello Torontino-Italy Moschino

Neiman Marcus Oxford Clothiers- U.S.A

Pal Zileri-Italy Piattelli-Italy

Polo by Ralph Lauren-Italy Prada-Italy

Redaelli-Italy Saks Fifth Avenue-China

Ted Baker Endurance-Turkey Ted Baker-Morocco

Trend Corneliani-Italy Trussini-Italy

Valentino-Italy Venturini-Turkey

Versace Classic-Croatia Versace Collection-Croatia

New Products

From the OU

chai meei:
acerola clear juice, ou
acerola juice puree, ou
avacado juice puree,ou
banaba clear juice concentrate, ou
carrot individually quickly freeze, ou
diced aloe vera in syrup, ou
dragon fruit juice puree, ou
green pumpkin juice concentrate, ou
kalamasi juice puree, ou
mango juice puree, ou
papaya juice concentrate, ou
pineapple juice concentrate, ou
pomelo fruit individually quickly freeze , ou
purple yam individually quickly freeze, ou
soursop juice puree, ou
tangerine individually quickly freeze, ou
watermelon juice, ou

intergaarden
capers in vinegar, ou
gherkins in vinegar, ou
silver onions in vinegar, ou

Falesco wine
marciliano (not mevushal) 2005-2006, ou
montiano (not mevushal) 2005-2006, ou

La Brioche
almond tart base, ou
chocolate croissant, ou
rasin bread, ou
rustic baugette, ou
wholegrain roll, ou

Smitty Bee Honey
Bee Pollen, OU
Honey, OU

Tarall'ora
Pasta Ai Funghi Porcini, OU
Pasta Al Limone, OU
Pasta Integrale, OU

From the Star K

Anatolia Tar.Urn.San.ve Dis Tic. A.S.
Izmir, Turkey
Fruit (Dried)

Canada Safeway Limited
Calgary, AB, Canada
Fruit (Dried), Organic Products, Snack Foods

Happy D Corp.
Oakland, CA
Beans, Fruit (Dehydrated), Fruit (Frozen), Vegetables (Dehydrated), Vegetables (Frozen)

Hengshui Shanzhi Health Drink Co., Ltd.
Hengshui, Hebei, China
Herbal Extracts
Star-D*

Mondi Enterprises, Inc.
Boylston, MA
Sauces & Dips

Ningbo Pointer Canned Foods Co., Ltd., L-32, 3302/01019
Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Fruit (Canned)

Peppers Unlimited, Inc.
Fontana, CA
Vegetables (Canned)

Poseidon (Hong Kong) Company Limited
Central Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Fruit (Frozen), Vegetables (Frozen)

Prosperity Foods
Concord, ON
Fruit (Dried)

Sephra, LLC
San Diego, CA
Chocolate Products
Star-D*

Southwest Synthetic Pharmaceutic Pharmaceutical Corp., Ltd.
Chongqing, China
Vitamins, Supplements & Nutritionals

Superior Quality Foods, Inc.
Ontario, CA
Soup & Soup Mixes
Star-K/Star-D*

Israel

Restaurant in Jerusalem: Village Green –

Vegetarian Food– 33 Jaffa Street – 02-625-3065
Open from 09:00 – 22:00 (Friday [winter] 09:00-14:00 & in summer until
15:00)
Under the supervision of Badatz Machzikei Hadas – Belz
www.village-green.co.il
And now some of the basics – of course, all flour is sifted, greens washed one leaf at a time prior to use, and the rabbis not only light the gas for cooking, but make certain to move all pots onto and remove from the stovetops, and open and close the oven doors. Rav Yossi explained that the food produced in The Village Green is all ‘bishul yisrael’ for both Ashkenazim and Sephardim. All dairy products are
‘chalav yisrael’ mehadrin. All fruits and vegetables are of course shmitah l’chumra,
Regarding eggs, all are checked, one at a time, and the rabbis explained he is particularly careful since they use organic eggs, which he stated have a much higher percentage of blood spots for reasons we did not review. He added that while the inspection of legumes is stringent, now one must keep an extra careful eye since the products are from the summer and the insect infestation level is
considerably higher.


FROM THE COR

Salerno Dairy Products Deluxe Mozzarella Cheese, 2.5% M.F/ 2.2 kg,
was labeled with an unauthorized COR. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT KOSHER CERTIFIED. Corrective measures have been taken.

From the STAR-K

Please note, it has come to our attention that GOLAN brand MOSCATTO (2008), produced under the supervision of Rabbi Shmuel Oerbach during the shmittah year under the auspices of the Otzer Bais Din, was inadvertently sold at Kosher Bite in Baltimore, MD. This wine is vested with kedushas sheviis and must be handled with special sanctity.
See http://www.star-k.org/kashrus/kk-shmitta-5768.htm for more details about the proper handling of wines possessing kedushas sheviis.

In general, when purchasing from any vendor, consumers are urged to check all Israeli wine labels to ascertain whether they were produced during a shmittah year

From the KSA

Please be advised that the following powders sold by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf were inadvertently missing the Dairy (חלב סתם) designation.
French Deluxe Vanilla

Special Dutch Chocolate

White Chocolate

Corrective action has been taken for future labels.

From the RCC

Please be advised that the RCC has removed it certification from Laffa Restaurant (22435 Ventura Blvd.) in Woodland Hills, for cause.

FROM THE CRC

Kraft Foods has introduced a new product – Crystal Light Hunger Satisfaction powdered beverage in Strawberry Banana flavor. This item is unique among Crystal Light varieties in that it contains whey, a milk protein, and is therefore dairy/cholov stam. It is certified OK-D, as stated on the package.
Please be aware that Tropicana Brand Orange Juice with Omega 3 correctly bears an OK-Fish certification and should not be used together with meat or poultry. Consumers should always check each label before purchasing.
Today’s Temptations in Chicago, Illinois, bakes several different varieties of cakes and breads, all under the certification of the cRc. Some of the cakes may list some dairy ingredients on the package such as whey or cheese. The ingredients have been reformulated and, regardless of the listed ingredients, ALL of their products are pareve, Pas Yisroel.
Although Shemittah ended at Rosh Hashanah, Shemittah produce is still being sold in local stores (for example, peppers are currently being sold at City Fresh). Shemittah vegetables will be on the market for the next few weeks, while Shemittah fruit will be available for many months, and consumers can call the cRc office for details on when specific fruits and vegetables may be assumed to no longer be from Shemittah.
Confiserie Leonidas, a fine Belgium chocolatier which also has a retail outlet on Madison Avenue in New York City, has mistakenly labeled some of their products omitting the Dairy designation. All of their kosher products are indeed cRc dairy, Cholov Stam

From the OU

Lottie & Beck Cappuccino Drink Mixes Powdered Cappuccino Drink Mixes: Cappuccino, French Vanilla, Amaretto and Mocha flavors. These certified products contain dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
Treasures from the Sea: Consumers are advised that Treasures from the Sea products whose OU symbol is covered with a sticker are not certified by the Orthodox Union.
Hoody's Party Tray: Serve & Snack Party Tray. This product contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
Sally Sherman Seafood Salad: A limited amount of this product has been distributed while bearing an unauthorized OU symbol. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
Jack Rabbit Ham flavored 16 Bean Soup: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. This product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.
Boar’s Head Placards: Placards bearing an unauthorized OU symbol and the Boar’s Head logo have been distributed to delis. These placards are not an indication of the Kosher status of their corresponding products. Corrective action is being taken. Consumers spotting these placards are requested to contact the
Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

From the OK

Block and Barrel Hot Dog Buns with the OK-D symbol distributed by Sysco Corporation is not certified kosher Any product found with the Ok symbol is not certified by Ok Kosher Certification.. This product is being recalled.
SWEETOGRAPHY, Inc., Brooklyn, NY, is no longer certified.
KETTLE BAGELS and BIALYS produced by BELL BAGEL (Brooklyn, NY) are no longer Pas Yisroel. They continue to be certified Kosher, Pareve by OK Kosher Certification when bearing the OK symbol on the packaging.
DAVID BAKERY/ ROYAL BAKERY, Richmond Hill, NY is NO LONGER CERTIFIED BY ok Kosher Certification. Any product found with the OK kosher symbol is unauthorized.

From the COR

The following products were inadvertently labelled with a COR 595.
These products are not kosher certified:

Quaker Bite Size Crispy Minis
BBQ Flavour
Pack Size: 120g (6x20g packs)
UPC: 0 55577 10931 1

Quaker Bite Size Crispy Minis
Cheddar Flavour
Pack Size: 120g (6x20g packs)
UPC: 0 55577 10930 4
Italian Home Bakery Cheese Topped Buns are no longer under COR supervision.
Presidents Choice Grape Juice 1.89 litre carton with date code 09JA03 bears an unauthorized COR 624. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT KOSHER. All other date codes are acceptable.

From the OU

Jelly Belly Swedish Fish candy is not o/u certified even when bearing the o/u on the label. Jelly Belly Classis Candies assortment is dairy.
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies is Pareve even if labeled Kd in error.
Apple & Eve White Grape Juice (drink box) UPC 763018400. This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.
Black Bear of the Black Forest Hoagie Dressing. This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.orgkashalerts@ou.org
New Products from the OU:
Amy's Gourmet Apples

Pecan Turtle Apple Dark OU-D
Pecan Turtle Apple Milk OU-D
Ultimate Apple OU-D

Honeydrop

Apples And Honey-Honey Infused Beverage OU
Blood Oranges and Honey-Honey Infused Beverage OU
Blueberries And Honey-Honey Infused Beverage OU
Chamomile Tea And Honey-Honey Infused Beverage OU

Sol de Chile

Sol De Chile – Cabernet Sauvignon 2008-11-13 OU-P
When bearing the OU holographic sticker

Coast Beverage Group/PRE

Acerola Acat OU
Peach Mango OU
Pomegranate Blueberry OU
Wild Berry OU

Hua Feng Aluminum

Aluminum Container OU
Aluminum Foil OU

267 Infusions

Rum Infusion Mango OU
Rum Infusion Wild Berry OU
Vodka Infusion Cranberry OU

Anheuser-Busch Beer Products

Mott’s, a division of Dr Pepper/Snapple Group, sells a beverage called Clamato which contains clam powder, and Anheuser-Busch recently introduced a beverage called Chelada which is a mixture of Budweiser beer and Clamato. In recent months, Kashrus Magazine wrote that since Chelada is tunnel pasteurized on the same equipment as other beer products, the public should avoid all Budweiser products until the process is “inspected by a competent kashrus expert”. [While investigating the issue of Chelada, we also became aware of a related issue stemming from another Anheuser-Busch product called “Bud Light Lime”].


The cRc, which certifies many items produced in the same plant as the Clamato, investigated this concern via visiting the plants where Clamato and Chelada are produced, reviewing formulas, extensive discussions with the companies, and independent research. The following are our conclusions:

§ Anheuser-Busch beers sold in bottles are free and clear of any concerns.

§ Dr Pepper has already made changes to the production of the Clamato used in Chelada, without changing its basic recipe, so that Anheuser-Busch beers sold in cans will also be acceptable.

§ The kosher status of Anheuser-Busch beers are not affected by the Bud Light Lime beverage bottled on shared equipment.


The rationale for these conclusions are beyond the scope of this statement, and will be presented to kashrus professionals at their AKO Conference to be held on November 13, 2008. A more detailed version of this statement, is posted on the cRc website, www.crcweb.org.


From the CRC

Several varieties of frozen fruits and vegetables under the “Nature’s Blessed” label, packed by Coloma Foods, Coloma, Michigan, bear an unauthorized cRc. They include Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Raspberries and Asparagus.


These products, although kosher in character, were not checked for insects. The

cRc does not recommend any attempt be made to check for insects on these

products, as it is very difficult to properly do so by anyone other than a trained

mashgiach.


LifeSource Nutrition of Beaverton, Oregon, has misrepresented certain products packaged and/or sold by them as being under cRc certification. The use of the cRc logo on their website and the circulation of cRc kosher certificates supposedly claiming their product to be under cRc certification are unauthorized.

From the OK

VEGAN RELLA CHEDDAR BLOCK (IN 8 OZ. PACKAGES – UPC 037983000154 and a sell date of 12/09/2008) has been recalled due to undeclared milk in the product. Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase.
Please be advised that 12 oz. bags of Kroger Value Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Please be advised that 12 oz. Bags of Kroger Value Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips with a sell-by date of May 30.2010 (5/30/10) UPC: 0111108650 may contain some milk chocolate chips. Please contact the Circle K if you have one of these bags at 718-756-7500. **We request that anyone who finds a bag containing these light color chips please contact our office and send us the bag.**
MAMA LUPE’S FLOUR TORTILLAS produced by tortilla King, Inc., Moundridge, KS, is being sold with an unauthorized OK symbol. This product is not certified by OK Kosher Certification.
BENZ’S FOOD PRODUCTS, Brooklyn, NY, is no longer under OK certification. The following lots of Benz’s Gourmet brand Tuna Fish were produced under OK supervision, and are certified when bearing the OKP symbol on the label:
Benz’s Gourmet Solid White Tuna 6 oz. Can –Lot # U78N5SBNN 1NBG1 6803 KFP OKP TART K

BenZ’s Gourmet Chunk White Tuna in water and salt 6/66.5-Lot# U68N5CBNN 1PBG1 6803 KFP OKP TART K

BenZ’s Gourmet Solid White Tuna in water and salt 6/66.5 –Lot # 1069PN TCTH K T827 KP

BenZ’s Gourmet Chunk Light Tuna 6 oz. Can – Lot # U78N2CBNN 10BFX 6803 KFP OKP TART K

BenZ’s Gourmet Chunk Light Tuna in water 6/66.5 – Lot # U68N2CBNN 1PBFX 6803 KFP OKP TARK K

From the STAR-K

A complete line of America's Choice frozen vegetables are being sold bearing an unauthorized Star-K. These items have been seen at Pathmark and A&P stores in New York and New Jersey. Corrective action is being taken.
New Companies:
Atlas Walnut
Visalia, CA
Nuts & Seeds

Boston Cookies

Somerville, MA
Cake & Pastry Products, Cookies

Changzhou Xinhong Pharmaceutical & Chemical Industrial Technologies, Inc.
Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
Vitamins, Supplements & Nutritionals

Coral LLC
Incline Village, NV
Vitamins, Supplements & Nutritionals

Deniz Dis Tic.ve Gida San Ltd. Stl.
Malatya, Turkey
Fruit (Dried)

Eco Acuicola SAC (Ecosac)
Piura City, Piura, Peru
Vegetables (Canned)

Linyi City Kangfa Foodstuff Drinkable Co Ltd
Linyi, Shandong, China
Fruit (Canned), Jams/Preserves, Vegetables (Canned)

Topco Associates LLC
Fruit Strip Division
Skokie, IL

CLARIFICATION:

Renaissance Market in San Diego is recommended only for packaged goods bearing a reliable certification. They are not recommended for anything else in the store at this time.
The whole world is frightened of China-made "black hearted goods". Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ? . . . if the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690, 691, or 692, the product is MADE IN CHINA .. 471 is Made in Taiwan .
Now a days Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products "MADE IN CHINA", so they often do not the country of origin. However, you may now refer to the barcode, remember if the first 3 digits are 690-692 it is MADE IN CHINA.
00 - 09 USA & CANADA
30 - 37 FRANCE
40 - 44 GERMANY
49 - JAPAN
50 - UK

Rabbi Yechiel Spira as seen in JKN Kashrus Briefs / Dec. 2008

1. China Express Restaurant [32 Maskit Street] in Herzliya Pituach –
The place lost its supervision for non-compliance and is negotiating
to get it back. The folks at the Herzliya Religious Council stress
that if one wishes to check, one must make certain there is a valid,
dated, non-photo copy kosher certificate from the Herzliya Rabbinate
before sitting down to eat. I did phone and they were honest and told
me at present, they do not have certification but hope to get it soon.

2. There are repeated requests to remind Israeli consumers that OU-D
is a dairy certification and the product is NOT chalav yisrael. This
is a long standing problem and it appears the OU does not warrant a
change of clarification towards better informing Israelis who are not
familiar with the OU as are North Americans. Unfortunately, few Hebrew-
speaking Israelis read this.

3. At the end of Kislev, after Chanukah, the kashrut certificates for
‘heter mechira’ vendors expire in Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem, “The
Shuk”, and one should make certain vendors have a current certificate
before shopping. Issues of concern are many, including kedushat
shvi’it for fruits for example, trumot and ma’asrot, orla and more.

4. Marzipan Bakery on Agrippas Street: I investigated a rumor that the
bakery lost its OU certification for export to the United States after
its kosher standard did not meet criteria. I investigated by speaking
with the bakery’s owner, Itzik Ozarko, and the folks at the OU Israel.
The rumor is not based in fact. Marzipan in Israel is under the
mehadrin supervision of Beit Yosef and under the OU for export of two
items only, chocolate and cinnamon rugelach, exactly as Itzik told me.
Nothing has changed and any rumors to the contrary are untrue.

5. Shulchan David – located in the Old City of Yerushalayim near Kever
David and Diaspora Yeshiva is under the supervision of the Jerusalem
Rabbinate regular, not mehadrin.

6. Rabbi Mordechai Kuber has stepped down as the head of the OU in
Israel and has been replaced by his assistance, Rabbi Yosef Minsky.

For questions, or comments please send me an email at
Jerusalemkn@gmail.com . I will do my best to respond.


The Chief Rabbinate of Israel obtained a court order to raid a food
warehouse, confiscating kreplach (dumplings) advertised as a veal-
filled kosher item but in actuality, the product contains pork
stuffing, not kosher veal.
The product bears an English label, Albertino de Leone, with Hebrew
and Russian text as well. The product barcode is 7290001158258.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

Israel Alerts

This update, distributed by Rabbi Rafi Yochai of the Chief Rabbinate
of Israel, is sent to religious councils around the country.

This is NOT a word-for-word translation but does provide an in-depth
overview of the Hebrew original.

TRAIF ALERT – The Lev HaSharon Rabbinate reports that a company
operating under the name Meshek Zamir LTD (052-555-4946) are not under
rabbinical supervision after they were apprehended with traif (non-kosher)

meat. The company’s website advertises it is kosher, and the Rabbinate fears

it still distributes a forged photocopied kashrut certificate. Meat is from a

non-kosher butcher shop called Agnes, located in Tirah.

WARNING – Chocolate and pecan liquor produced under the label Yakvei
HaNegev (Negev Wineries) for the Los Latinos Company, is advertising the

product as mehadrin, under the supervision of the Badatz Eida Chareidit.

The label states in English “Kosher Milky”. It has been learned that the

product does not have any kosher supervision whatsoever.

Amko Company “Mizli” (dried fruit product) barcode 7290011501594,
marketed under the label Sasson Hacola. Consumers noted it was bug-
infested, prompting the Rabbinate inspection. The label states under the

supervision of the Prague Rabbinate with import permission from the Chief

Rabbinate of Israel. The kashrut claim is bogus.

Tabor- Syrian Olive Oil – one liter bottles with the label stating Nationwide

Rabbinate certification and Chatam Sofer mehadrin. The kashrut claim is bogus.

Tarbush Bakery (08-945-9446) located in Rechovot – also packaging Du
La Peh cookies and baked products – The kashrut claim is bogus.

Bat Yam based “Anak HaKa’akim” is no longer authorized to advertise as
kosher after if was learned the company was printing bogus labels stating

under the supervision of Bat Yam Rabbinate and Badatz Beit Yosef.

Shimna oil, located near Moshav Chagor – does not have a kashrut certifi-

cation despite claims to the contrary. Inspectors found non-kosher oil on the premises.

Yehuda Regional Council Rabbinate has temporarily removed the kashrut
certification of the 4 Seasons Catering due to “severe kashrut violations” that

are not detailed in the report.

ZuZuba Restaurant in Afula – located on HaNasi Street - advertises as
kosher mehadrin. It has no kosher supervision whatsoever.

Catering facility Chagiga B’kfar – advertising under the name Al Kad
Café – near Kfar Hess – the establishment was caught serving food lacking

any kosher certification as well as meat and milk products together. Rabbis

are not permitted to conduct wedding ceremonies in the hall, which currently has no kosher certification.

Deli Cream Ice Cream – Netivot – advertises as kosher but has no kashrut

certification whatsoever.

Following are stores advertising as kosher without authorization or
had their certification revoked.

ZICHRON YAAKOV -- The Moshava HaGedola – lost its certification.
HERZLIYA -- Ugot Shel Rachel – lost its certification for non-compliance with
Rabbinate directives.
PETACH TIKVAH -- Shilat Café on Shimshon Street – the owners requested to

terminate kashrut certification.
ROSH HAAYIN -- Melech HaFalafel – kashrut certification revoked due to violations.
HAIFA -- Armon Hall – 60 Histadrut Blvd – lost its kashrut certification.
AFULA -- Abu Nassr Falafel – Old Shuk – lost its kashrut certification.
ZEVULUN -- Ichut (Quality) Bakery – near Kfar Bialik – falsely advertising that
it is under the supervision of Rabbi Yaakov Mor-Yosef.
KIRYAT TIVON -- Shuki meats and mini market and take home food – 2 HaKalanit St.

and a second location - both have lost their kashrut certification.
NETIVOT-- Kikar HaChama Bakery and Deli Cream Ice Cream – 4 Samilo Street –

no kashrut supervision.
TEL AVIV-- Shaul Restaurant – 45 Eilat St – no kosher supervision despite claims
to the contrary.
Grill Bar – 47 Yehuda Halevy St – Advertises as kosher. Does not have
a Rabbinate supervision.
Bazil Congress Restaurant – 141 Even Givrol St – kosher certification
revoked.
Bar Kokis Bakery – 31 She’erit Yisrael St – Advertises under the
supervision of Tel Aviv Rabbinate but is not.

Ola Tortia Bar Restaurant – 2 Mikve Yisrael St – Advertises as kosher
but has no supervision.
Eldin Bakery – in the central bus station – third floor – posts Shemen
HaMishcha non-authorized kashrut agency. No Rabbinate certification.
Super Toast – Central bus station – 6th floor - posts Shemen HaMishcha
non-authorized kashrut agency. No Rabbinate certification.

Unauthorized from KOLA

Bought Libby's Pumpkin Bread Kit at Costco today. The outside of the box says O-U. Inside, there are three ingredients, the pumpkin cans (clearly labelled o-u) bread mix (unlabelled) and icing (unlabelled). Knowing that most icings are NOT parve, I went to the O-U website and sure enough, the certification letter specifies that the product Neste's Libby's (Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing) is O-U-D. There seems to be another.

Health Alert from COR

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has informed us that they are satisfied with the sanitization of the cheese production facililities which may have been contaminated with Listeria. (see our previous Alert dated September 4, 2008)

The cheeses that were affected and are now cleared for consumption by the CFIA are:

Ivanhoe and Great Canadian - Cheddar, Marble, Asiago, Gouda, Swiss, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Colby, Brick, Feta.

Unauthorized Kashrut

Following is a list of eateries which have unauthorized kashrut or
lost their supervision.
CHOF HACARMEL: Givenit Tzach dairy – The Galim Youth Village – has lost its kashrut supervision as of Sept. 14th.

ZARZIR: Ichut HaBasar butcher – kashrut was removed by the National
Rabbinate Supervision.

RABBI DOV LIOR: Bo L’echol Restaurant at Kikar Shalit in Herzliya – it has lost its kashrut supervision because the restaurant is open on
Shabbat.

SOUTHERN SHARON: The pool area of Kibbutz Chorshim is not permitted to
host weddings since it operates on Shabbat.

MAALOT: Avi & Humus located in the industrial area lost its
supervision. Magic Crim, Magic Grill, Crackers Bakery = all lost their kashrut
supervision.

Sheinfeld Restaurant located in the center Yad B’Yad Galil at the entrance to Kfar Veradim has been granted mehadrin supervision by the local Rabbinate.

Rabbi Yaakov Sabag
Chief of Kashrut Division

Rabbi Rafi Yochai
Chief of National Kashrut Fraud Prevention

From the OK

Please note that Lightlife Foods produces both kosher-certified and non-kosher products. Only products bearing the OK symbol on the label are certified kosher by OK Kosher Certification. Please check labels carefully before purchasing.


* * *


Please be advised that POMONA’S UNIVERSAL PECTIN was mistakenly labeled with the OK Kosher symbol. The product is not certified by OK Kosher Certification. Packaging is being corrected.


* * *

Please be advised that MR. SOFTEE VANILLA ICE CREAM MIX produced by HORSTMANN MIX and CREAM Long Island City, NY has been mislabeled as OK Pareve. This product is actually dairy and should be labeled OK-D.
Labeling is being destroyed and new labels are being printed.


* * *



Please be advised that CHEESE TORTELLINI produced by FIORELLA PASTA COMPANY 4559 White Plains Road Bronx, NY 10470 has been mislabeled as OK Pareve. This product is actually dairy and should be labeled OK-D.
Labeling is being destroyed and new labels are being printed.


* * *



Please be advised that as of today OK KOSHER CERTIFICATION has revoked certification of All Natural Food Corporation 111 Ditmus Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218.

From the cRc

Effective immediately, Ocean Beauty, Los Angeles, California, packers of Salmon roe, is no longer certified by the cRc.
Effective immediately, Brans Nut Co. & Wauconda Orchards, Wauconda, Illinois, packers of assorted nut products, is no longer certified by the cRc.
Effective August 1, 2008, Supply Systems, Dallas Texas, a manufacturer of commercial and industrial cleaning supplies, is no longer under the certification of the cRc.
Due to changes in manufacturing caused by the recent flooding in Iowa, only those Swiss Valley Brand Yogurts bearing the cRc D logo on the label are certified kosher dairy (Cholov Stam) by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.
Consumers are always encouraged to check each label when making food purchases.

The Slurpee flavors listed below, either already in the stores, or due to be released soon, ARE NOT CERTIFIED KOSHER!:
• STRAWBERRY TWIZZLER
• MONSTER BLACK ICE
• GATORADE GRID IRON ICE
• PINA COLADA
• TROPICANA GRAPE WILD STRAWBERRY
Dill Pickle flavored sunflower seeds under the Dakota Valley brand, Willow Lake, South Dakota, bears an unauthorized cRc. Corrective measures are being taken.
The “D” Dairy designation was inadvertently omitted on Streit’s brand “Lower East Side Mix”, a candy and nut mix. The product is certified cRc dairy (Cholov Stam), as indicated on the ingredient panel.
Please be advised that A & W Root Beer Float and Sunkist Orange Float are NOT certified kosher. The Regular varieties of both, including the diet version, continue to be kosher.

Non Kosher Pasta

Pasta Quistini Jumbo Ravioli with Portobello Mushrooms & Ricotta
Pasta Quistini Sundried Tomato & Cheese Tortolloni

are NOT Kosher!

Cheese

The Canadian Food Inspection Age ncy (CFIA) and Ivanhoe Cheese Inc are warning the public not to consume various cheese products described below because these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The following cheese products bearing Best Before dates from 09 FE 20 to 09 MR 01 (February 20 to March 1, 2009) inclusive are affected by this alert. These products were sold from August 20, 2008 up to and including September 3, 2008.
Brand Names: Ivanhoe and Great Canadian -- Cheddar, Marble, Asiago, Gouda, Swiss, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Colby, Brick, Feta.
The CFIA will be updating a comprehensive list of all affected products as it becomes available.
The manufacturer is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace under the supervision of the CFIA.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
Ivanhoe Consumer Hotline: 613.827.5096
CFIA: 1.800.442.23 42 / TTY 1.800.465.7735 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday to Friday)

E. Waldo Ward & Sons Inc

Please be advised that as of August 1, 2008 product produced at E. Waldo Ward & Sons Inc. are no longer under KSA supervision.

The labels produced at this facility include:

Black Sheep
E. Waldo Ward
KTW
La Vigne
Lee Dragon's
Mistral
Olive Pit
R&M
Randy Jones
Robbies
Sassy’s
Smokin Jacks

cRc Alert

The following products distributed by The Sassafras Company of Chicago Bears an unauthorized cRc and Kof K. Corrective measures are being taken.

• Chocolate Moose Mousse
• Kid’s Milkshake Mix
• Sundae Kit

Twizzler Strawberry Slurpee

Twizzler Strawberry Slurpee is NOT the same Twizzler that was sold a few years ago. The new flavor is still being reviewed and has NOT been certified Kosher at the time of this alert.

Trader Joe's 50% Less Salt then Roasted and Salted Fancy Mixed Nuts

Trader Joe's 50% Less Salt then Roasted and Salted Fancy Mixed Nuts used to have a hashgacha but now no longer has a hashgacha (a product of Thailand). This product is not recommended.

Kellogg's Snacks

Please be advised that the following product produced by Kellogg's Snacks has been mislabeled and is NOT Kosher: Sunshine Cheez-It, Double Cheese Baked Snack Mix.  The labels were erroneously printed with the O/Kd symbol.  The product is being recalled and labels are being corrected.  If you purchased this product, please contact Kellogg's Consumer Service at (877) 453-5837 for a refund or a free product coupon that you can use on one of their many Kosher certified Kellogg or Keebler products. 

Prince Macaroni and Cheese

Prince Macaroni and Cheese bears an unauthorized O/U symbol and is being withdrawn from the marketplace.  Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at (212) 613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

Monster Black Slurpee

Another new Slurpee flavor, Monster Black, will be introduced in July.  This flavor is NOT KOSHER!

Trader Joe's brand cashews

Please be advised that Trader Joe's brand cashews marked product of Thailand bear an unauthorized BCK symbol of Kashrus.  Consumers finding this product are asked to contact BC Kosher at (604) 731-1803 or by email info@bckosher.org

Coombs Family Farms Organic Apple 7 Cinnamon Pancake Mix

Coombs Family Farms Organic Apple 7 Cinnamon Pancake Mix was mislabeled Kof K pareve.  The product is Kof-K dairy.  Corrective measures are being taken. 

Arizona Fruit Smoothie Mix

Arizona Fruit Smoothie Mix Pineapple Coconut flavor contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted.  Future packaging will be revised.

Arizona Only Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

The Arizona Only Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf stores have mistakenly received non-Kosher certified individual yogurts and cottage cheeses containers.  Even though these items are sold separately in their  own individual containers the Kosher consumer needs to know that the yogurts and cottage cheeses in Arizona CBTL's are not Kosher, until these items are immediately replaced with the regular Kosher certified Knudsen cottage cheese and Horizon yogurts.

Gourmet Fresh Basil Pesto

Gourmet Fresh Basil Pesto from All Natural Food Corp. is NOT certified and bears an unauthorized O/K symbol.

Near East Bakery Saco

Please be advised that the O/K Kosher certification no longer certifies Tortillas produced by Near East Bakery Saco

Shatnez Alert

Regarding the Eco Step Women's Sneaker (Vibram), made in China.  Its content label lists Genuine Leather, upper: man-made materials, insold: smart wool.
A fabric test revealed that the actual content of the upper is a linen/cotton blend in one direction and rayon in the other direction.  The removable insole is a white and gray knit fabric, and the same fabric is sewn onto the back against the heel.  The white threads are wool.  For more information or to have questions answered, please contact Lakewood Shatnez Labs at 661 7th St. at (732) 364-7056

Nabisco Oreo

O/U:  Nabisco is introducing a new variety of Oreo brand Cookies, Oreo Fudge Rings, which are currently NOT certified Kosher.  Please note that the Oreo Fudge Rings label does NOT bear the O/U symbol.

Libby's Fruit Cocktail

O/U:  Regarding Libby's Fruit Cocktail:  This product was packaged in cases whose exterior markings represent the product as being O/U certified.  Libby's Fruit Cocktail is NOT O/U certified.

Homowack Lodge (a/k/a Spring Mountian Resort)

O/U:  Effective April 30, 2008, the Homowack Lodge (a/k/a Spring Mountian Resort) will be discontinuing O/U Kosher Supervision and will be under the Vaad Beis Din of New Square.

Potato Chips

COR:  Please note that the following potato chips do not bear a COR symbol at this time.  In September 2008, the products will again be manufactured at COR supervised facilities:  Compliments Kettle Barbecue, Compliments Kettle Garlic & Herb, Compliments Kettle Jalapeno, Compliments Kettle Salt & Malt Vinegar (dairy), Compliments Kettle Sour Cream & Onion (dairy).

Great Northern Smokehouses and Fine Foods

Please be advised that effective immediately, Great Northern Smokehouses and Fine Foods is no longer under COR Kosher certification

Bake Crafters Donuts

COR:   The following Bake Crafters Donuts, bearing the COR 517  were inadvertently labeled without the “dairy” designation:  Glazed Devils Food Donut Holes, Mini Cruller Donuts, Powdered Mini Gem Sugar Donuts, Chocolate Mini Gem Donuts, Glazed Sour Kreme Donut Holes.  Corrective measures have been taken.

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce

COR:  Several batches of Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce, 3.7 L, were inadvertently labeled without the “COR Fish” designation.  This product does contain fish ingredients and should bear “COR 10 Fish” on the label.  Corrective measures have been taken.

KOF-K: Funnel Cake Mix

... manufactured by Good Food Inc., Honey Brook, PA was mislabeled “KOF-K Pareve”.  the product is KOf-K Dairy.  Corrective measures are being taken.

Balglobe Fruit Jellies

Brands: Balglobe Fine Foods
Products: Gelees De Fruit Jellies
Company: Balglobe Fine Foods - Pointe- Claire, QC
Issue: This product (sold primarily in Canada) bears an unauthorized O/U symbol. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at (212) 613-8148 or via email at Kashalerts@ou.org.

KOAOA (The Half-Moon K)...

... is no longer certifying any bagged, pre-washed romaine, spring mix, and other leafy greens products made by Taylor Farms, Salinas, CA and Yuma, AZ.  For a short time, KOAOA was certifying some lots of such lettuces under the daily supervision of a mashgiach t'midi, however that production has been discontinued.
This notice only applies to leafy greens.  KOAOA continues to certify other vegetables processed by Taylor Farms as identified on each location's letter of certification.

Taylor Farms Lettuce

KOAOA (The Half-Moon K) is no longer certifying any bagged, pre-washed romaine, spring mix, and other leafy greens products made by Taylor Farms, Salinas, CA and Yuma, AZ. For a short time, KOAOA was certifying some lots of such lettuces under the daily supervision of a mashgiach t'midi, however that production has been discontinued.

This notice only applies to leafy greens. KOAOA continues to certify other vegetables processed by Taylor Farms as identified on each location's letter of certification.



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