K A S H R U T . C O M_©

September 16, 2022 and November 30, 2022 from the OU in response to the editor's question:

• Belvita Sandwich Cookies are DE
• Belvita Cinnamon Brown Sugar bars are DE
• The Belvita Chocolate flavor is dairy.
• The Belvita Blueberry is labeled OUD, but in fact, its true status, at the present time, is DE (Dairy Equipment).
  What does DE mean? A DE product does not contain actual dairy ingredients, but it is manufactured with heat on dairy equipment. DE items may be eaten after meat, but not with meat at the same time. x1
  Many products qualify to be DE but are labeled OUD because OUD is a less confusing symbol for the kosher consumer. Also, to be a true DE product, the equipment must be properly cleaned of residue after dairy production, and that level of cleanliness is sometimes difficult to maintain and guarantee.

November 30, 2022 from the OU in response to a question from a reader:

Mocha Mix Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer, Bay Valley Foods with an OUD is Dairy Equiptment.

November 23, 2022 from the FDA.

Weis Markets today said it has issued a recall for 108 containers of Weis Quality Sea Salt Caramel Ripple Ice Cream (48oz) since the product may contain undeclared soy and coconut allergens.

Product may have been distributed in 197 Weis Markets’ stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and West Virginia.

The container says Weis Quality Sea Salt Caramel Ripple Ice Cream and the lid says Weis Quality Caramel Caribou Ice Cream. The ice cream is packaged in a scround container with a UPC of 041497-01288 and with a sell by date of 11/08/23. This was produced on 11/08/22. The sell by date can be located on the bottom of the container. An example of the container and lid has been included with this release.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy and coconut was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of soy and coconut. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging process.

Customers who have purchased this product may return it for a full refund.

Customers requiring additional information may contact Weis Customer Service at 1-866-999-9347 Monday through Friday 8am-5pm EST.

November 23, 2022 from the cRc Twitter feed:

Per our canned fruit guidelines (https://askcrc.org/item/Food/1122), cranberry sauce - jellied & not jellied, including Ocean Spray - is recommended, as long as it has no kosher-sensitive ingredients or country of origin...or make your own.

November 23, 2021 from the cRc Twitter feed and AskcRc:

Planning your #cranberry dish for #Thanksgiving? Search "cranberry" at http://askcRc.org, & find out the brachos for cranberries, whether dried, frozen, or fresh cranberries need a hechsher & more! P.S. Ocean Spray #cranberrysauce - jellied or not - IS recommended.

• Cranberries (Berachos): Recite the bracha of Ho’adamah before eating, and Borei Nefashos afterwards.
• Cranberries, dried: Requires Certification Does not need to be checked for insect infestation.
• Cranberries, fresh: Acceptable Without Certification
• Cranberry Sauce, Canned: Acceptable Without Certification if it contains no kosher-sensitive ingredients. In this context, citric acid, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and water are not kosher sensitive.

November 17, 2022 from the OK:

Basbussa, 8338 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048 has an unauthorized Use of OK Symbol:
Basbussa Restaurant, located at 8338 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 is displaying an unauthorized OK symbol on their website and menus.
This restaurant is not certified by OK Kosher Certification.
Corrective actions are being taken.