K A S H R U T . C O M_©

Kashrus information on Trader Joe Cinnamon Rolls

March 5, 2018 from a reader and confirmed by the OU with additional information from a reader on March 13, 2018 and reafirmmed by the OU on October 26, 2020:

The Trader Joe Cinnamon Rolls with Icing in a tube is labeled OUD, but in fact, its true status, at the present time, is DE (Dairy Equipment).
What does DE mean? Parve products made with heat on dairy equipment may be eaten after meat, but not with meat.
"From the OU: Some kashrus agencies use a DE symbol, but the OU has chosen not to use a DE designation because it is felt it may be confusing to 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."
"Please note that it is possible that the manufacturer will reformulate this product and add a true dairy ingredient. You will not be able to know this, since the OUD kosher symbol will remain the same. We recommend that you call our office every 3 months to reconfirm the DE status of this product."

From the OU in response to the editor's questions:

1. Editor: Can this product be baked in a pareve oven or on a pareve baking sheet?
   OU: Yes, the cinnamon rolls can be baked on parve pans in a parve oven.
2. Editor: I thought the OU is using the DE Designation.
   OU: The OU is only using DE designation on a limited scale. In general, the OU uses OUD designation, even if the product is truly DE. However, that being the case, in those situations, the consumer must be aware that equipment might not be kashered from a dairy run, since the product is labelled OUD not OUDE.
   Furthermore, the company may reformulate the product to being actually dairy without the need to change the label. We advise confirming the DE status about every three months.
   

   Ed. note: The already baked pull-apart Trader Joes Cinnamon Rolls are dairy OU-D. Contents include milk, butter