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Consumer Kashrut Alerts

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Kashrut Information - Grey Goose Vodka

Alert Reissued December 27, 2023 by the cRc:

Once again, there is a (social media) commotion about Grey Goose being not kosher and is being linked to the cRc stating so.

This is not a new tumult at all and is just a repeat of what happened 2 years ago (December 2021). The information being spread is exactly what was erroneously sent out 2 years ago.

This is one of the downsides of social media; an old post on someone’s phone can be inadvertently forwarded several years later even though the information is no longer relevant. In this case, not only was the information about Grey Goose being non-kosher no longer relevant – it was not the correct information even back then. A link to The Yeshiva World article that posted a clarification to the tumult 2 years ago.


December 2, 2021, from the cRc and reissued December 27, 2023 by the cRc:

"Those who keep kosher would never eat in a restaurant without a reliable hechsher, nor bring products into their homes unless verified to be kosher. The assumption is that prepared food and beverages are not kosher until verified otherwise. It is well-known that we maintain one of the largest kosher Liquor Lists in the world, investing considerable research to find acceptable kosher liquor options for consumers. We firmly believe that products which are certified-kosher are preferable to those listed as approved, as these avoid any kashrus issues. Nevertheless, as a community-based hechsher, we feel it is important to do careful research and provide options for those who may not have access to certified products.

"It has come to our attention that a popular vodka, produced in France, was considered acceptable in kosher homes even without a hechsher. The cRc has always advised that vodka produced in France, Ireland, and New Zealand requires special attention out of concern that it may be produced from wine or dairy alcohol. In fact, there have been persistent rumors that this vodka from France contains alcohol produced from wine. As we know, wine products require special hashgacha to avoid the concern of stam yeinam – wine produced by non-observant Jews. As stated, we believe that unless a particular product meets generally accepted guidelines for kosher liquor, the assumption is that the product is not kosher until verified otherwise.

"Because of the above, we never officially published that it was not recommended nor did we say it was recommended. We simply left it off our kosher liquor list because vodka from France needs to be verified as kosher.

"In recent days, a consumer that spoke to one of our staff correctly posted on a WhatsApp Group that we do not recommend it, but this was misinterpreted and reposted by others outside the cRc (without contacting us first) to state that we have firsthand knowledge that there is wine in the product. This is untrue. Our position was based on the stated concern.

"After extensive research, we have now discovered that there is a special run produced under hashgacha specifically for the Israeli market (with kashering the lines to avoid any contact with equipment used for non-kosher products) and we have verified that the source for the standard alcohol for this company is solely grain based. However, this same company does produce a non-kosher version of vodka which contains grape based alcohol, but the standard unflavored version is solely grain based. Therefore, as long the company continues to maintain special kosher runs, the above information is considered accurate.

"We once again maintain that it is best to consume these products with a proper hechsher."

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A7871

cRc: Methods for Using Fresh Unchecked Herbs in Soup

December 26, 2023 from the CRC:

The cRc recommends checking all leafy greens (ex: all lettuces), fresh herbs (ex: dill, parsley, basil etc.),and cauliflower for insects using the thrip cloth method. Note: Infestation in organic greens is often higher due to the lack of pesticides. (See crcweb.org/consumerkosher.php to see how this method is done).
Please be aware that for the thrip cloth method to be effective, one should get hands on training in identifying insects. If one wishes to use fresh unchecked nonorganic herbs in a soup, this may be done by rinsing the herbs under running water and then sealing it in a filtered cooking bag (Liebers Sack’n-boil filter bags).

If organic herbs are being used, one should soak and swish the herbs around in water mixed with a bit of soap or vegetable wash for about a minute, remove the herbs and repeat this twice in new soapy water before sealing it in a filtered cooking bag.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8734

OU Kosher Alert: Altin Aymak Dried Cherry Plums

December 26, 2023 from the OU:

Altin Aymak Dried Cherry Plumsm, Altin Aymak, Batken Kyrgyzstan have an unauthorized OU:
The Orthodox Union does not certify Altin Aymak Dried Cherry Plums. Some Altin Aymak Dried Cherry Plums are being sold with a label that has an unauthorized OU. Corrective actions are being implemented.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8733

Kashrut Alert: Fruitique SquareBar Ice Cream Bars

December 25, 2023 from the Star-K:

Fruitique Cheese and Guava SquareBar Artisan Ice Cream Bars bear an unauthorized STAR-D symbol and are not kosher. Product was found in Florida.

Other Fruitique ice cream bar flavors have also been found to bear an unauthorized STAR-D. The kosher status of these items is currently under review. 

Corrective action is being taken.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8732

OU Kosher Alert: Tazah Stuffed Vine Leaves

December 24, 2023 from the OU:

Tazah Stuffed Vine Leaves, Karabetian Imports & Distribution, Inc., Los Angeles CA has an unauthorized OU:
The Orthodox Union does not certify Tazah Stuffed Vine Leaves. Some labels are printed with an unauthorized OU mark. If you see this product in the marketplace, please provide details to kosherq@ou.org. Corrective actions are being implemented.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8731

OU Kosher Alert: Great Value Cranberry Blend of 4 Juices

December 21, 2023 from the OU:

Great Value Cranberry Blend of 4 Juices Company: Walmart Inc., Bentonville AR has an unauthorized OU:
The Orthodox Union does not certify Great Value Cranberry Blend of 4 Juices. Some labels were printed with an unauthorized OU mark (the word 'Cranberry' appears by itself in large fonts, and the words 'Cranberry Blend of 4 Juices' appear in smaller fonts on the bottom part of the label). Corrective actions are being implemented.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8730

Astor Chocolate Corporation Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Coconut in Burnt Caramel Bars

December 21, 2023 from the FDA:

Astor Chocolate Corporation of Lakewood, New Jersey is recalling 1,092 Burnt Caramel Candy Bars, because it may contain undeclared coconut. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to coconut run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The product was distributed through Aldi’s Haines City, Florida Distribution Center, which services select Aldi stores in Florida.

This action relates only to:


The product and Lot Code as printed on the package shown below

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the coconut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of coconut. Only this specific lot code is impacted, no other Lot Codes, or any other Astor Chocolate Corporation products, are involved in this action. For more information or assistance, please contact us at 1-732-901-1000 (Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST and Friday 9:00am to 1:00p.m. EST) or via https://astorchocolate.com/ .

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8729

RDK Corp (DBA Racine Danish Kringles) Issues Allergy Alert on Potential for Undeclared Pecans in 14oz Raspberry Kringle

December 19, 2023 from the FDA:

Racine Danish Kringles of Racine, Wisconsin is recalling 960 units of Raspberry Kringle 14oz with lot code 23299 sold in select ALDI retail stores because the item may contain undeclared pecans.

he Raspberry Kringle was delivered to select stores in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The product is a 14oz Kringle from Racine Danish Kringles labeled Raspberry that is sold on a red tray with a plastic overwrap. The lot code for the product is 23299 and is located on the back nutritional label just above the barcode.

Consumers who have purchased Racine Danish Kringles Raspberry 14oz Kringles with lot code 23299 are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the Quality Assurance Department or our company President, Chris Heyer, at 262-633-1819, Monday through Friday 9am-5pm CST.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8728

London Beth Din Kashrut Information: Bendicks Mint Collection- corrected

September 20, 2023 from the London Beth Din Twitter (X):

Bendicks have announced their intention to drop #kosher certification for all their mint chocolates.

#KLBD are working hard to convince them to continue with #kosher certification.

If this is important to you, please contact #Bendicks via their website bendicks.co.uk/get-in-touch.

Please note that all Bendicks Mints remain certified KLBD Parev when produced before March 2024 even though the KLBD logo has already been removed from some packaging. See www.isitkosher.uk

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8721

Eban’s Bakehouse Issues a Voluntary Recall Due to Undeclared Milk and Soy Allergens

December 16, 2023 from the FDA:

Eban’s Bakehouse is recalling all of its Sweet Indulgences cookie bites, packaged in 12-count, 11.85 oz boxes, due to undeclared milk and soy allergens. The recall is limited to the 12-count multi-pack cookie bites. The traditional 2 oz cookies are not included in the recall.

This recall has been initiated due to the ingredient label not stating milk and soy as allergens.

The cookie bites being recalled include:

Product was available from 1/30/2023-12/13/2023 through:

Consumers with a milk or soy allergy or sensitivity who have purchased the affected products should dispose of it and contact Eban’s Bakehouse for a refund. Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Sarah Farley at 513-409-3226 or email info@ebansbakehouse.com.

The previous item can be cited with the URL: https://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/?alert=A8727
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