K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following Passover alert is from Hakhael.info on March 23, 2012 with additional information on March26, 2012.

As the Pesach shopping season begins, we alert our readers to Kashrus labels and symbols on products with which they may not otherwise be familiar--especially Hebrew words and stamps from other countries. As an example of how confusing things can be for the unfamiliar consumer, there are two Hashgachos in Eretz Yisroel (whose products are marketed abroad) with the same name--Chug Chasam Sofer. Yet, one has its name in a circular seal, and the other has more of a rectangular seal. One is located in Bnei Brak, and the other is located in Petach Tikvah. These are just examples. Moreover, the standard of a national organization here may not be the same when you find its stamp on a product from overseas. Accordingly, one must ask his Rav or Posek which Hashgachos are acceptable both for Pesach and year-round use, in which out-of-the country Hashgachos are acceptable on their own. One must additionally be especially cautious for ‘stickers’ on products, and check to make sure that, even if purchased in a ‘Passover Store’, that each individual container or object purchased is, in fact, Kosher L’Pesach, as misdirecting and misshelving does occur.
Addendum: Many seals or stamps may show the Hebrew letters “Bais Daled, apostrophe Tzadik”, standing for Badatz. This should not be confused with the Badatz Yerushalayim, Badatz of the Eida HaChareidis. Rather, the term simply indicates that the Rav giving the Hashgacha has a Bais Din.