K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following Canadian kashrus alert is from the COR on June 5, 2015.

Heinz Organic Cherry Sweet Corn Greek Yogourt and and Banana With Vanilla Yogourt were inadvertently labeled without a "dairy" designation. The products are DAIRY and kosher certified. Corrective measures are being taken.

The following kashrus alert is from the OK Kosher Certification with additional information from the KOf-Q on June 4, 2015.

Nutritional Shake, MIX 1 LIFE, INC., 10575 N. 114TH, Scottsdale, AZ 85259:
Mix 1 Life, Inc is distributing Mix 1 Life Nutritional Shakes with an unauthorized OK kosher symbol on the label. Corrective action has been taken.

The following kashrus information is from the cRc on June 3, 2015.

Revised cRc Iceberg Lettuce Policy
"The general cRc position is that pre-washed (bagged) iceberg lettuce is acceptable from any source, even if it is not certified as kosher. This is because the method of commercially cleaning leafy lettuces is sufficient to remove the insects typically found in iceberg lettuce. However, in recent weeks, lettuce coming from specific regions in California have been more heavily infested than usual, and it has been brought to our attention that the cleaning methods in use have not always been successful in removing all insects from the lettuce. Accordingly, some hechsherim have temporarily removed certification from a number of brands of iceberg lettuce, of which the Fresh Express brand is the most prominent.

We have not been able to independently confirm these results on a national scale, but accept the findings of these hechsherim based on the research of experienced Mashgichim in multiple cities. Accordingly, the cRc recommends that for the remainder of June 2015, consumers nationally should either (a) purchase iceberg lettuce which bears reliable kosher certification, or (b) wash and inspect iceberg lettuce (fresh or bagged) as per the directions found at http://kshr.us/IcebergLettuce.

In contrast to the above, we have inspected many varieties of prewashed iceberg lettuce sold in the greater Chicago area, and found that the washing-methods used locally have remained effective in spite of the temporarily increased level of infestation. Therefore, while it is always preferred to purchase lettuce and similar items with hashgachah, we consider it acceptable for people in the Chicagoland area to continue purchasing prewashed iceberg lettuce even if it is not certified. As an extra measure of caution, we recommend that those who purchase the non-certified lettuce, should visually inspect a few, small, handfuls of lettuce from each bag before eating the rest of the contents of the bag.

In consultation with other hashgochos, we will continue to monitor this situation and will update our recommendations accordingly."

The following fruit washing information is from the Star-K Keeping You Kurrent for May, 2015.

"Please note our updated strawberry washing instructions. We have added a pre-rinse to more completely facilitate the removal of the insects.
Strawberries (Fresh only; frozen cannot be washed and are required to have a reliable hashgocha; dried strawberries do not require checking.)

1. Pre-rinse all the strawberries in water.
2. Prepare a basin of detergent solution, using at least two tablespoons of detergent per gallon of water.
3. Agitate the strawberries in the solution for 10-15 seconds.
4. Let the strawberries soak for at least one minute in the solution.
5. Rinse off each strawberry.
6. It is advisable to remove the tops. Otherwise, pay careful attention to rinsing off the top area well.
7. No further checking is required"

Ed. note: Kashrut.com has information from a number of kashrus agencies at www.kashrut.com/consumer/vegetables/#WASHING

The following Candian insect infestation alert is from the CFIA on May 29, 2015.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting an investigation into the presence of Iron Cross Blister beetles (Tegrodera spp.) in imported leafy vegetables following recent consumer complaints of these beetles in pre-packaged salads. There have been no confirmed illnesses or injuries associated with the consumption of these products.
Fresh produce can harbour insects that may be injurious to consumers, but this is rare. The Iron Cross Blister beetle is very distinctively coloured, with a bright red head and bright yellow markings on the wings, separated by a black "cross". This particular beetle should be treated with caution as it may release an irritating chemical called "cantharidin". This chemical may cause blisters at the point of contact.
Consumers are advised to wash and visually inspect their leafy vegetables thoroughly. The beetle should be removed without touching or crushing it. If found, please advise your local CFIA office.