Kashrut.com - Kosher Food Alerts and Mislabeled Products

MK Yoshon Alert: Pita Royale

October 1, 2024: from the MK:

This year, Pesach falls on Motzei Shabbos, since we want to avoid creating crumbs in our homes during that Shabbos, for convenience purposes, many families generally prefer to use pitas as part of their Shabbos meals instead of Challa.

Please be advised that as of next week, Pita Royale’s production may no longer be considered Yoshon.

For those who wish, we recommend purchasing Pitas before Rosh Hashana, double-wrapping and freezing them in preparation for Shabbos Hagadol.

We are working on the possibility of extending Pita Royales yoshon production for a couple more weeks; however, to be on the safe side, we recommend purchasing the pitas before Rosh Hashana.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9016

Insect Infestion Alert: Quaker Gluten-Free Instant Oats sold in Israel

October 1, 2024 from Straus Group. Hebrew alert is here and English translation from Google translate:

Notice to Quaker Gluten-Free Instant Oats Consumers Produced by the " Quaker " company made in the USA

Insect infestation was found in a number of QUAKER gluten-free quick-cooking oat products manufactured by the QUAKER company made in the USA.

Below are the product details:

Name: Quaker oats for quick preparation without gluten.
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats Company.
Importer: Strauss Frito Lay Ltd.
Weight: 511 gr.
Barcode: 7290107943369.
Expiry dates: 01.10.24 to 14.02.25 inclusive.

(The validity of the product appears at the bottom of the package. For example: BEST BEFORE OCT 01 24)

Consumers are asked not to consume the product. The Strauss company apologizes to its customers and is working to collect the products from the shelves in coordination with the food service at the Ministry of Health.

For inquiries and/or compensation for the value of the product that is in the consumer's possession, you can contact the Strauss consumer service at phone number 6860* or via "Contact" on the Strauss website https://www.strauss-group.co.il/contact-us/ .

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9014

OU Kosher Advisory Kraft String Cheese

September 30, 2024 from the OU:

Kraft String Cheese, Lactalis Heritage Dairy, Chicago IL:
Issue: Lactalis Heritage Dairy has decided to remove OU D kosher certification from Kraft Natural Cheese String Cheese products, and transition to another kosher certifying entity and its kashruth standards.

Ed. note> Lactalis Heritage Dairy can be reached at (312) 934-2480

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9015

Pre-Yom Tov Sabbath Mode Notice: Setting Sabbath Mode on Refrigerators Before a Three-Day Yom Tov

October 1, 2024 from Star-K:

"Please note that some refrigerator models automatically exit Sabbath Mode after 74 hours (others stay in Sabbath Mode for longer, or indefinitely). While this feature is designed to maintain the refrigerator's efficiency, it can lead to the appliance exiting Sabbath Mode before the end of Shabbos at the close of a "three-day Yom Tov."

"We recommend reviewing your user manual for specific information about how your appliance operates. If your refrigerator exits Sabbath Mode automatically after 74 hours, be aware that if you set the Sabbath Mode more than 30 minutes before the onset of Yom Tov, the appliance might exit Sabbath Mode while it is still Shabbos, in which case, the refrigerator should not be opened or closed once 74 hours have elapsed.

"Should you have questions, STAR-K's appliance team and Institute of Halacha are available to assist you by email, or by phone at 410-484-4110."

Appliance Alert: Certified Thermador Refrigerators & Freezers - Important Update

September 27, 2024 from Star-K:

A few months ago, STAR-K received reports from consumers that the Thermador integrated refrigerators and freezers listed below did not maintain proper cooling temperatures when set in Sabbath Mode:

T30IR | T30IF | T36IR | T36IF

Thermador has developed a solution to this cooling issue. Unfortunately, it will not be available to consumers before the Yamim Tovim this October.

In the interim, we offer the following workaround: Do not enter Sabbath Mode. Instead, place a strong, thin magnet over the door sensor switch, located at the front and center at the top of the inside door frame. See the location highlighted in yellow in the image above:

Suitable magnets can be found here . Magnets that come without adhesive backing should be taped down, so they don't shift when the door is opened and closed.

Once the magnet is in place, it forces the appliance to "think" that the door is closed. The door may then be opened with a shinui (e.g., looping a hand towel through the handle).

STAR-K will issue further updates as they become available.

Information on using your GE Shabbos Mode Oven with the Zman appliance for a 3 day Yom Tov

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9011

Yoshon, Pas Yisroel Information 5785

Updated September 29, 2024

AKO Yoshon Committee Yoshon list is here
OU Pas Yisroel List for 5785-2024 is here
KVH Certified Pas Yisroel List is here
The Star-K Yoshon Quick Reference Guide is here
Kof-K Pas Yisroel List is here
MK Yoshon Updates Establishments and Products
Scroll K Rosh HaShana Food Guide and Pas Yisroel List is here
cRc Simonim Chart from is here
cRc Pas Yisroel and Yoshon Information 2024 is here
Star-K Rosh Hashana Simonim Checking Guide is here
Central Rabbinical Congress Simonim Chart is here
New Square Kashrus Council Rosh HaShana Bedikas Tolaim Guide in Yiddish is here
September 29, 2024 Pas Yisroel Information from the COR Detroit:
PAS YISROEL: The K-COR reminds consumers of the accepted custom to be stringent on Pas Yisroel during Aseres Yemei T’shuva. Please be advised that many K-COR certified establishments produce or sell some bread and cake products that are not Pas Yisroel. Ask the Mashgiach or call the K-COR office for details regarding specific establishments.
- The following establishments are totally Pas Yisroel: BAKE STATION, DAKOTA BREAD COMPANY, ZEMAN’S, JERUSALEM PIZZA, PIZZA STOP, ESS IN, PRIME 10, SPREADS BAGELS & CAFÉ, SOUL CAFÉ RESTAURANT, KAPLAN CAKES, SAY CHEESE, SUGAR & CRUST and YODELS ‘N MORE. At THE GROVE FRESH BAKERY dept., all items that are sold loose, or repackaged with a Grove label, are Pas Yisroel.
- KORDAS’ BREADS, ROLLS, AND BUNS from Metropolitan Baking Co. that bear the K-COR symbol are Pas Yisroel*. Note that Kordas’ Greek Style Pita Bread and Kordas’ English Muffins are not K-COR certified.
  Yisroel*. Note that Kordas’ Greek Style Pita Bread and Kordas’ English Muffins are not K-COR certified. [NOTE: Milano Bakery bread and rolls with the K-COR symbol are not Pas Yisroel.]
- SIMPLY NATURE KNOCK YOUR SPROUTS OFF SPROUTED 7 GRAIN BREAD at Aldi with an OK symbol is Pas Yisroel*. However, bags that bear an OU or Kosher Check symbol are not Pas Yisroel.
- SPECIALLY SELECTED brand SMALL BATCH SOURDOUGH LOAF, SMALL BATCH ITALIAN LOAF, ITALIAN BREAD and any other Specially Selected breads at Aldi that bear a Scroll K symbol are Pas Yisroel, and state “P.Y.” under the symbol in fine print. [Note that some Specially Selected breads bear other symbols and may not be Pas Yisroel, and some bear no certification at all.]
- TRADER JOE'S brand of CHOCOLATE BROOKLYN BABKA and HALF MOON COOKIES that bear OU Pareve are Pas Yisroel.
- TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC FRENCH ROLLS and TRADER JOE’S ORGANIC FRENCH BAGUETTE that bear MK certification [Montreal] are Pas Yisroel*.
- TRADER JOE'S HOLIDAY CHALLAH - TRADITIONAL EGG BREAD with an Earth K symbol is Pas Yisroel, as stated on the label.
  NOTE: Trader Joe's Sprouted Wheat Sourdough Bread and Sprouted Wheat Multigrain Bread bearing a Star-K are not Pas Yisroel.]
- S. ROSEN’S BREADS, BUNS AND ROLLS with an OU (available at Costco) - The following products are certified by the OU as Pas Yisroel: 100% Healthy Multi Grain Bread, 9 Grain Bread, Sour Dough Bread and Country White Bread. Other S. Rosen’s products with an OU are Pas Yisroel per the glow-bar method*.
- NATURAL OVENS BAKERY KETO-FRIENDLY WHITE BREAD with an OU ink jetted on the individually wrapped loaves (available at Costco) is Pas Yisroel.
- KRONOS PITA BREAD with a cRc symbol is Pas Yisroel*, as stated on the label.
- FOOD FOR LIFE EZEKIEL SPROUTED GRAIN BREADS with the Kof-K symbol are Pas Yisroel*. The Pocket Bread, however, is not Pas Yisroel.
- MATT’S BAKERY COOKIES that bear a plain OK symbol are “Pas Yisroel”*, as stated on the label. Those that bear OK-D are not Pas Yisroel.
  * per the “glow-bar method” [an electrical heating element turned on by the Mashgiach], which most Kashrus agencies consider Pas Yisroel. (The OU, however, does not accept this as Pas Yisroel, based on the psak of Rabbi Yisroel Belsky zt’l.)

Kashrut.com posts information on yoshon and pas yisroel year-round at www.kashrut.com/consumer/baked_goods

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9007

Simonim Information 5785

Updated September 29, 2024

cRc Simonim Chart from is here
Star-K Rosh Hashana Simonim Checking Guide is here
Central Rabbinical Congress Simonim Chart is here
New Square Kashrus Council Rosh HaShana Bedikas Tolaim Guide in Yiddish is here
September 29, 2024 Simanim Information from the COR Detroit:
- FISH HEADS:
  - The frozen Rainbow Trout fish heads now being sold at Superior Kosher Meats are completely fresh water raised, and do not need to be checked for lice.
  - Rainbow Trout from Norway are heavily infested, and require thorough cleaning and checking [see below].
    The following is from New Square Kashrus Council:
  - White fish: White fish heads are free of infestation concern.
  - Salmon/Baby Salmon: Salmon heads [even farm raised] are commonly infested with salmon lice (brownish parasites ranging in size from approximately 1-3 cm).
    - The entire gills must be removed. (It may be easier to first cut the head in half before cleaning).
    - Rinse the head thoroughly with water while rubbing all surfaces of the head (inside and outside), including all cracks, crevices and folds, and under and around the tongue. Inspect the head to make sure it is clean.
    One who wants to avoid the checking process may just rinse the head and cook the head in a separate pot, take a small piece from the flesh of the head, and visually inspect it before eating to make sure there is no foreign object on it.
  - Carp: Carp heads may be infested with very small transparent insects called Argulus that are very hard to detect. There is no known method to clean infested carp heads properly, and they should not be used unless checked by an expert.
- BLACK EYED PEAS are often infested and require careful checking. The following is based on the Star-K procedure for checking dried, canned or frozen black eyed peas, and applies even if the product bears Kashrus certification. (Note: All canned peas and beans always require Kashrus certification, for general Kashrus concerns.)
  - Dried black eyed peas should first be boiled in water. After they have been fully cooked, turn off the flame and allow them to soak in the water for 2-3 hours. The peas will swell and the peel will become translucent. Then check as below.
  - Canned or frozen black eyed peas may be checked straight out of the can/bag; there is no need to boil or soak.
  - To check (all types): Take the black eyed peas and inspect for holes or dark-colored stains, as this may indicate an insect beneath the thin peel. If there is a dark spot on the peel, remove the thin skin and check if there is a cavity with a bug in it. (The black "eye" spot is not a sign of infestation. Similarly, orange colored stains on the surface are not signs of infestation; only dark or black stains are of concern.)
  [Note: For those who prefer not to rely on checking, some Poskim advise that the Rosh Hashana simanim custom can be fulfilled without eating the item, by placing it on the table and looking at it.]

Kashrut.com posts information on Washing and Inspection of Fruits and Vegetable at www.kashrut.com/consumer/vegetables

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9013

Honey – Kosher Policy

September 25, 2024 from Kosher Atlanta: The AKC’s policy is that pure honey without a hechsher is acceptable. (Some kashrus agencies only recommend using honey with a hechsher.)
cRc policy from Kosher Status by Product:
- Honey, including raw: Requires kosher certification Packaging equipment for retail honey may be heated and may be used for non-kosher sauces
- Honeycomb: Acceptable Without Certification Pure honeycomb does not need certification
September 29, 2024 Honey Information from the COR Detroit:
- Standard honey goes through a filtering process, which removes the non-Kosher bee parts. Even “raw and unfiltered” honey is usually strained to remove the bee parts. However, some completely unprocessed honeys are neither filtered nor strained. If the label or the manufacturer states that the honey is not strained, or if bee parts are visible, that honey should be avoided.
- “Forest honey”, “Honeydew honey”, and “Beechwood honey” (or honey named after other types of trees such as Pine, Fir, Oak, etc.), generally refer to honey produced by bees that have consumed the non-Kosher excretions of aphids and scale insects left on trees, as opposed to standard honey that is produced from flower nectar. These are not considered Kosher according to some opinions, and should be avoided. Melipona honey should also be avoided.
- “Royal Jelly” is a bee product that, unlike regular honey, is an actual secretion of the bee. Some Poskim therefore rule that it is not included in the permitted category of “honey”, and it should be avoided.

Kashrut.com has information on kashrus issues in honey and other sweeteners at www.kashrut.com/trade/sweetenerslist

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9009

London Beth Din Alert: Rowse Honey Products

September 27, 2024 from London Beth Din

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9012

Israeli Food Safety Recalls: Tru Soy Sauce, Midsha Pepper Aioli, and Ma'adanot Frozen Malawach Ma'adanot

September 16, 2024 from the Israeli Ministry of Health:
Guri A.A.O. Ltd. Issues a Recall for Its Product: Chinese-Style Soy Sauce, TRU Brand
Recall in Hebrew is here

September 16, 2023: from Israeli Ministry of Health:
Midsha Food Industries Issues a Recall for Its Product: Pepper Aioli of the Alalekhem Brand. Following several consumer complaints about a product that displays signs of fermentation (unusual taste and/or bloated package), the company decided to err on the side of caution and issue a voluntary recall for the product.
Alert in Hebrew is here

September 18, 2024 from Israeli Ministry of Health:
Notice for Consumers: Ma'adanot Announces an Incorrect Date on the Product 'Frozen Malawach Ma'adanot' 700 grams - Barcode 729000023803 Ma'adanot wishes to inform the public that the product 'Frozen Malawach Ma'adanot' 700 grams, certified by the Mehadrin Committee (Barcode 7290000238036), was mistakenly labeled with the date 'best before' 27/02/24 instead of 27/02/26. This is a specific printing error. Despite the labeling mistake, it is important to emphasize that the products are safe and suitable for use.
Alert in Hebrew is here

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A9010

K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The Premier Kosher Information Source on the Internet

Consumer Kashrut Alerts

MK Yoshon Alert: Pita Royale

Insect Infestion Alert: Quaker Gluten-Free Instant Oats sold in Israel

OU Kosher Advisory Kraft String Cheese

Pre-Yom Tov Sabbath Mode Notice: Setting Sabbath Mode on Refrigerators Before a Three-Day Yom Tov

Appliance Alert: Certified Thermador Refrigerators & Freezers - Important Update

Yoshon, Pas Yisroel Information 5785

Simonim Information 5785

Honey – Kosher Policy

London Beth Din Alert: Rowse Honey Products

Israeli Food Safety Recalls: Tru Soy Sauce, Midsha Pepper Aioli, and Ma'adanot Frozen Malawach Ma'adanot

Information on Color-Added Salmon

K A S H R U T . C O M©

The Premier Kosher Information Source on the Internet

Consumer Kashrut Alerts

MK Yoshon Alert: Pita Royale

Insect Infestion Alert: Quaker Gluten-Free Instant Oats sold in Israel

OU Kosher Advisory Kraft String Cheese

Pre-Yom Tov Sabbath Mode Notice: Setting Sabbath Mode on Refrigerators Before a Three-Day Yom Tov

Appliance Alert: Certified Thermador Refrigerators & Freezers - Important Update

Yoshon, Pas Yisroel Information 5785

Simonim Information 5785

Honey – Kosher Policy

London Beth Din Alert: Rowse Honey Products

Israeli Food Safety Recalls: Tru Soy Sauce, Midsha Pepper Aioli, and Ma'adanot Frozen Malawach Ma'adanot

Information on Color-Added Salmon

K A S H R U T . C O M_©