---

November 26, 2007

 The Gefen Company asked that an urgent bulletin be issued. Two batches of Gefen barley, that went to the stores during the week of Nov 11, are NOT YOSHON. These have the codes of 10-22-09 and 10-29-09. Gefen had a contract with a company to store Yoshon barley to last the entire season. However, that company went bankrupt and the stock of Yoshon barley was liquidated. Gefen has not been able to secure replacement stocks of Yoshon barley. Therefore, until further notice, all Gefen barley with date code of 10-22-09 or later is Chodosh.

The following has just been sent from the Star-K hashgocho in Baltimore:  “Until further notice, SHINDLER'S FISH STICKS and SHINDLER'S FISH NUGGETS in retail blue packaging, sold in the New York area, are not yoshon even when the package says Yoshon.  The problem will be corrected in the near future.” 

Vitner  Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips (9 oz), certified by the OU, contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.   

Effective immediately, the cRc does not certify any product being distributed by Acid Products of Chicago, Illinois, even when bearing the cRc on the label or when accompanied by a cRc letter of kosher certification. Acid Products distributes various industrial acids and other raw materials to the to the manufacturing industry.

Only those Natural Ovens of Manitowoc Label products bearing the cRc logo and the legend “Pas Yisroel” are guaranteed to be Pas Yisroel.

A specific production of institutional pack butter manufactured by Sommer Maid Creamery were produced using non-kosher ingredients. Although these products are listed on their cRc kosher certificate, this specific batch, with an expiration date of September 3, 2007, is not certified kosher.  The following items are effected:

1 lb. prints  Whipped butter in 7 lb. tubs. This alert applies only to the above products with a expiration date of  September 3rd 2007.  Corrective measures are being taken. 

During the month of July, 2007, 7eleven will be introducing a new Slurpee flavor, Fanta Blue Vanilla. This flavor is kosher, however it is Dairy (non-cholov yisroel). 

Bulldog Bakery, located at 3207 N. Elston, Chicago, IL, produces cakes and pastries that are certified cRc Dairy (non-cholov Yisroel). Please note, however, that the retail bakery is NOT under cRc certification and the breads and rolls are not certified by the cRc.Only those packaged cakes and pastries bearing the cRc-D logo are approved by the cRc.

Effective immediately, Ciprianis Pasta and Pasta Sauces are no longer under the certification of the Chicago Rabbinical Council, even when bearing the cRc logo.

 Kernel Seasons Parmesan & Garlic Popcorn Seasoning contain dairy ingredients, but the “D” dairy designation was inadvertently omitted. The product is indeed cRc D, Dairy non cholov yisroel. Future packaging is being corrected.

Keebler Fudge Dipped Ice Cream Cups - Fudge Shoppe Fudge Dipped Ice Cream Cups (UPC #3010012096) This certified product contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.

General Mills Breakfast Cereal Variety Pack - Breakfast Cereal Variety
Pack (UPC #6563351209) The packaging of this product incorrectly depicts
Lucky Charms cereal as being OU certified. Corrective action is being taken.

Several packages of Kernel Season’s Cajun Popcorn Seasoning bear a plain cRc. This product is Dairy (non-cholov yisroel), but the “D” Dairy designation was inadvertently omitted.  Action is being taken to remove the mislabeled product from the market. 

Certain packages of Fannie May individually wrapped chocolates bear a plain cRc. Although the master box was labeled as cRc D, the individually wrapped chocolates were inadvertently printed without the “D” Dairy designation. All Fannie May Chocolates are kosher dairy when bearing the cRc D or cRc logo, non-cholov yisroel.

Tropical Mix manufactured under the “Grove” brand, contains dairy ingredients, as stated on the ingredient panel. However, The “D” Dairy designation was inadvertently omitted from the package.  The product is indeed certified cRc D – Dairy, non Cholov Yisroel. Corrective action is being taken.

Confectioners Sugar packed under the Jewel/Albertson’s label mistakenly bears a United Mehadrin Kosher-P (resembling a Shield K) certification for Passover. This product, as stated on the ingredient panel, contains corn starch which is Kitniyos. The Passover label was not authorized and is being withdrawn from the market.

 Many well known brands of chocolates that are generally kosher, are also made in other countries and are NOT certified kosher. Please do not assume that the items that have been purchased in the past are kosher today. As always, the consumer is responsible to check each label for a reliable hashgacha, both for Passover and during the entire year.                                                          

Due to a reformulation of Benefiber, originally listed on several Pesach lists as being approved for use, has now been found to contain actual chometz.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Gummi Bears product bears a mislabeled OU-D symbol and is not certified kosher by the Orthodox Union. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. 

Ma Cohen's Herring Products are certified kosher for Passover when manufactured under special supervision. A limited number of products were manufactured without Passover supervision and were distributed while bearing an unauthorized OU-P symbol. These products have a date code system listing the month, date, and year (i.e. Jan1608). The mislabeled products are being withdrawn from the marketplace. Customers are encouraged to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org if the mislabeled products are found.

Several cities around the United States have a TCBY yogurt store, selling soft serve yogurt and other products. None of these stores were ever under the certification of the cRc, but for a period of time, the yogurt base was under the supervision of the cRc.

However, while the stores are still in operation, the manufacturer of that product is no longer in business. Some stores are using a yogurt base under various other supervisions, but none are presently certified by the cRc. It is the responsibility of the individual consumer to inspect the kosher status of this and other products before each purchase.

Certain packages of Cheese Danish from Bagel Country, Skokie, IL, are dairy as indicated on the ingredient panel. However, the label mistakenly states that the product is pareve. The product is indeed cRc kosher/dairy. Future packages are being corrected.

Effective immediately, Healthy Treats, Manitowoc, WI, is no longer certified by the cRc. Any product still bearing the cRc may be used.

F.M.V. Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips in 12oz. bags, distributed by Inter-American products, Cincinnati, Ohio, with a sell date of Sep 07 2008 only, was erroneously labeled as OK-P. The product is certified OK pareve and NOT kosher for Passover. Labels are being corrected.

 Due to Kashrus violations, all products manufactured or distributed under the Z-Snacks brand are no longer certified by the Kof-K. Any product still bearing the Kof-K may still be used. 

Please be aware that all pre-seasoned cast iron pots could possibly be non-kosher due to the use of hot oils in the process. Due to the current lack of sufficient information on the source of oils being used, to our knowledge, presently, there are no brands that can be used without proper kashering prior to use.

 Solea brand potato chips, Parmesan Olive Oil flavor, 14 oz. size, inadvertently contain a non-kosher seasoning.
THIS APPLIES ONLY TO THE FOLLOWING CODES: 
     22 DEC 2007  8 3  
     23 DEC 2007  1 3
     23 DEC 2007  2 3 
These items were sold in the Chicago area Costco stores.     

 Effective immediately, Solstice Industries and Nectar Transport, both of Chicago, IL, have ceased operations, and as such, are no longer under the certification of the cRc. 

It has come to our attention that several packages of various products from Regal Gourmet Snacks have been mislabeled. Included are packages of Yogurt Covered Pretzels that are marked pareve, but are indeed dairy, as stated on the ingredient panel. There are also variety packs bearing a cRc Pareve on the outer box which contain individual cups of a variety of products, including these pretzels, and gummy bears that contain gelatin which are NOT certified at all by the cRc.

Corrective action is being taken. If you are aware of any of these products in your community, please notify the cRc office.

 Effective immediately, Frozen Herbs Limited, Chestnut Farms, Suffolk, England, is no longer under the supervision of the cRc.

With Tu B’Shevat approaching, the cRc would like to remind everyone about the possible insect infestation in some popular fruits consumed during this time, namely figs and dates. Although plain, unflavored varieties generally are acceptable without hashgacha, there may be a problem with bugs and worms. Those that are sold in bulk are much more likely to be problematic, and although they can be checked for infestation, we do not recommend purchasing figs and dates from this source because of the high likelihood of the presence of worms. Those figs and dated that are packaged under national brand names should be fine. Nevertheless, a cursory inspection should be done to be certain that there is no infestation.

Effective immediately, Agmark Foods, Nashville, TN, has chosen not to renew the kosher certification for their trucking division.

Hunter Farms and Harris Teeter have inadvertently omitted the “D” dairy designation from the labels of various ice cream flavors. The products are indeed dairy, as stated on the ingredient panel, and are certified cRc D. Future packaging is being corrected.

 Chicago Coffee Roastery has inadvertently omitted the “D” dairy designation from certain packets of Cocoa Royale Cocoa Mix and Café Classico Instant Cappuccino Mix. Both are indeed dairy, as stated on the ingredient panel and are certified cRc D. Future packaging is being corrected.

Although most Pringles produced in the U.S .by Procter & Gamble,  have been OU certified, Pringles Minis are not OU certified.                        

Kashi Go Lean Carmel Peanut Butter Roll Bar, Chocolate Peanut Butter Roll Bar, Chocolate Turtle Roll Bar, Fudge Sundae Roll Bar and Oatmeal Walnut Bar, with the expiration date codes May 30 2007 through August 30, 2007 mistakenly contain a non-kosher ingredient. Corrective action is being taken. Products with a date code of September 13, 2007 or higher are kosher when bearing the OU symbol.

Eden Brand Frozen Broccoli, made by S. Bertram Corp. with the production date of July 2006 has been recalled by the company due to insect infestation. Even those packages with the July 2006 date bearing the Star –K should not be used.

It has come to our attention that many supermarkets and fruit & vegetable stores are again stocking various produce from Israel, in particular, bell peppers. Before consuming these products, which should be clearly marked as “produce of Israel”, Terumah and Maaser must be taken. The proper procedure can be found on the cRc website

Effective immediately, due to kashrus violations, Ciprianis Pasta is no longer under the hashgacha of the cRc, even when bearing the cRc on the label.

It has come to our attention that a forged copy of a cRc kosher letter of certification for Greenwood Associates, Highland Park, IL, is being circulated. The letter lists “Grape Juice Concentrate, White”. While Greenwood does produce a kosher grape juice concentrate, it is only available with special on-site supervision and should not be listed on the standard kosher certification letter. If you should see a copy of this forged letter, please call the cRc office at 773-465-3900 ext. 117. Greenwood Associates is a cRc client in good standing and has no involvement in this forged document.

Quaker Crunchy Corn Bran, which has been certified pareve for a number of years, will be changed to OU-D due to dairy equipment. The new production, bearing the OU-D, should begin appearing in stores  sometime in January, 2007. 

Orchard Grove Chocolate Covered Almonds, manufactured by Brans Nut Co., bears a cRc pareve logo on the label. The product is indeed dairy, as stated on the ingredient panel. All labels are being corrected. 

Salad Mate Salad Dressing, sold at Aldi’s, is no longer under  cRc certification. Bottles still bearing the cRc are kosher and can be can be used.

Kellogg’s Stuffing Mix was erroneously distributed while bearing an OU-D symbol. The product is in fact OU pareve.

Butterfly Baking brand muffins contain dairy ingredients, as stated on the ingredient panel. However, the dairy “D” designation was inadvertently omitted. The product is indeed kosher, cRc dairy. The labels are being corrected. 

Dean Jacob’s brand White Chocolate Cupcake Mix with Raspberry Frosting contains dairy ingredients, as stated on the ingredient panel. However, the dairy “D” designation was inadvertently omitted. The product is indeed kosher, cRc dairy. The labels are being corrected.

Solomon’s Gourmet Cookies, located at 2222 N. Elston, is under the supervision of the cRc. All cookies are Pas Yisroel, not Yoshon and are dairy (non-Cholov Yisroel) The adjoining café, however, is NOT under cRc supervision.

Pocahontas Brand Pork and Beans in Tomato Sauce- Food Service (#10 can) mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU  symbol. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. 

Today’s Temptations, Chicago IL, has a “cheese” coffee cake. They use a soy cheese and the product is indeed cRc pareve, Pas Yisroel.

The cRc recently sent out an alert regarding LIFESTYLE LIQUID TEA PACKETS. It has now been discovered that although the tea is not under the supervision of the Vaad of Melbourne, it is kosher certified by Kosher Australia (the Vaad L’Inyanei Kashrus of Australia) and carries the Kosher Australia pareve symbol. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Dominion Farms in Texas has made statements that might be construed as them being under the supervision of the cRc. They have supplied live cattle for kosher shechita, but are not certified by the cRc.

The cRc recently sent out an alert regarding Felix and Oscar brand snacks. These snacks, as well as others under the “Simcha” label were distributed by Douglas Foods and were mislabeled by omitting the “D – Dairy” designation on snacks containing dairy ingredients. Several of these products are still on the market, but being that Douglas Foods has since gone out of business, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recall these items. Please be aware of this situation and take proper precautions when purchasing the products.

LIFESTYLE LIQUID TEA PACKETS has recently been advertised in various Jewish publications as being under the supervision of The Vaad Hakashrus of Adass yisroel of Melbourne. This product is NOT (and has never been) produced under the Hashgocho of Rav Beck or the Adass Yisroel Vaad Hakashrus. Also, Rav Beck has never stated that it may be used on Shabbos. (Please refer to update above)

It has come to our attention that packages of barley, such as those used for soup or cholent, may contain larva, insects or even live worms! This problem is not isolated to any specific brand or store. It is strongly suggested that each package of barley, or other similar grains, be inspected prior to use.

Country Ovens Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry De-Lite, under the certification of the cRc, contains dairy ingredients but the “D” was inadvertently omitted from the label. Future labels are being corrected.

Several different varieties of candies, chocolates and snacks under the Felix and Oscar brand contain dairy ingredients, as stated on the ingredient panel. However, the dairy designation was inadvertently omitted and the labels only bear a plain cRc. These items are indeed dairy (non-cholov Yisroel). Steps are being taken to correct this problem.

Some packages of Jay’s Salt n’ Sour potato chips contain dairy ingredients as stated on the ingredient panel. However, the dairy designation was inadvertently omitted and the labels only bear a plain cRc. These items are indeed dairy (non-cholov Yisroel). Steps are being taken to correct this problem.

Bareman’s Gourmet Heavy Cream is dairy, as indicated on the ingredient panel. However, the “D” was inadvertently omitted and the package only bears a plain cRc. The product is indeed dairy. Future packaging is being revised.

Assorted Laffy Taffy outer bags mistakenly were printed with an OU-D symbol instead of an OU symbol.  The individual Laffy Taffy wrappers correctly bear the OU symbol, as the product is actually pareve. 

Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dip Mix (1 oz packet) contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised. 

Unlike other varieties of Starbucks bottled drinks, the Frappuccino Strawberries & Crème in the 9.5oz bottle is NOT certified kosher. 

All flavors of Freshens Yogurt are Dairy, however, some packing was printed with only the cRc on the label, omitting the “D”. Corrective action is being taken.

Wise Sour Cream and Onion Ridgies contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel. The label mistakenly bears an OU-Pareve statement, and the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.

International Spice House is no longer certified by the Kof K, even when bearing the Kof K symbol. 

KNORR BEEF BOUILLON  (the kosher variety) which contains lactose, has been erroneously been marked as Pareve. The product is Dairy. 

Asaro brand Tomato Sauce and Oro Di Sicilia brand Cata diMelanzane Eggplant Appetizer bear an unauthorized OU symbol and are not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union. These products are being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting these products are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

Sunrise Health Triple-Strength Lecithin Capsules bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union. This product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

Novartis Nutrition (Taiwanese Label) Fiber Source IsoSource 1.5 Cal are certified as OU-D, but the dairy designations have been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.

Ready Pac brand Apples & Caramel Dip bears an unauthorized OV and is not certified as kosher by the Vaad of St. Louis. Steps have been taken to have the OV removed and future packages are being revised.

Feature Foods Creamed Herring Fillets contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.

Rossini Extra Virgin Olive Oil bears an unauthorized OK symbol. It is not certified by the OK.

The OK does not certify any products distributed by D.E. Georgoudis Co., Volos, Greece, including, but not limited to Parthenon Olives, which carry an unauthorized OK.

Solstice Industries and Nectar Transport have both been re-certified by the cRc. There was no lapse of kosher certification on any products manufactured and transported by these companies.

---

Effective immediately, Schuh Trucking is no longer under the supervision
of the cRc.

As of July 1, 2006, Fratelli Coffee and Greenfield Mills are no longer
under the supervision of the cRc.

As of July 1, 2006, Schmidt Honey is no longer under the supervision
of the cRc.

Several varieties of breads from Gunkel’s Bakery located in Antigo, Wisconsin, bear an unauthorized cRc on the label. The product is NOT kosher. This bakery is in the general vicinity of several of the camps and resort areas of northern Wisconsin. If you know of anyone traveling to this area, please inform them of this situation. 

A recent publication of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley, South Bend, Indiana, states that Rabbi Kuppel Lindow is responsible for the cRc Hechsher for South Bend’s Krispy Kreme store. Rabbi Lindow does not represent the cRc in any capacity regarding kashrus, and the cRc does not give any hashgacha to the Krispy Kreme store, or any other retail facility, in the South Bend Area.  

Packages of Gummy Bears from Great Skott in Milwaukee are mislabeled as kosher, and bear an unauthorized Wisconsin K symbol. The ingredient label clearly states that they contain wine concentrate and gelatin. The product is NOT kosher. The labels are being corrected.

 The cRc would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its policy and opinion regarding the purchase of ice cream from non kosher certified shops. Unless the shop is under a reliable hashgacha, no open product should be purchased without the consumer personally inspecting each item. Any ice cream must first be determined to be kosher and in some cases, the scoop must be first washed clean. Any other products purchased, such as cones, toppings, milk or any other additives, must also be inspected to determine if it is kosher. Asking the store attendant is not sufficient as they may not be aware of specific kosher regulations that may effect the kosher status of the item. As the average person may also not be aware of all of the kosher regulations, it is always preferable to only buy these products from shops under a reliable kosher supervision.

Effective immediately, due to kashrus violations, the Breadsmith Store located at 664 Central Avenue, Highland Park, IL, is no longer certified by the cRc. This only affects the Highland Park location. The Breadsmith located at 3327 W. Dempster, Skokie, is under different ownership and continues to be under strict cRc supervision.

Tic Tac products, manufactured in Europe with Hebrew writing and distributed in Israel over the last several years, have been accepted as kosher. However, it has now been discovered that there was recently a falsifying of documents regarding that product, changing the kosher status. Each package has a date on the label, and any product manufactured after January 1, 2006, should not be considered kosher, even with the kosher certification on the label. All other Tic Tac products that do not bear any kosher certification are, of course, also not kosher. 

All Tic Tac product that is currently being sold in cRc supervised stores has been checked and is acceptable for consumption.

Not all Double Bubble brand gum is certified by the OU. Only those packages bearing the OU should be considered kosher.

Lucerne Rocky Road Ice Cream, manufactured for Safeway Inc., was inadvertently distributed bearing an unauthorized OU symbol. The product is not kosher and is being withdrawn from the marketplace.

Some packages of Jay’s Hot Stuff potato chips bear a cRc-D. The product was mislabeled and is in fact cRc pareve.

The OK does not certify any products produced by Tayas America of Canada.

 Effective immediately, BP GOURMET LTD. of Commack, NY, is no longer Star-K Certified.  The following brands are not certified even when bearing the Star-K: BP Gourmet, Freida's Kitchen, Smarter Carb, Sweet Nothings                        

Effective immediately, all Bobbi's Hummus products are no longer under the supervision of Community Kashrus of Greater Philadelphia even when bearing their kashrus symbol.

Golden Guernsey has produced chocolate milk bearing an unauthorized cRc P-06. The product is kosher/ dairy, but is NOT kosher for Passover. Future packaging is being corrected. If you see this product, please call the cRc office at 773-465-3900 ext. 117, or email to: asharp@crcweb.org The cRc does not certify any chocolate milk for Passover.

Several different Passover prepared foods are available with cRc supervision under the “Bubbie Sylvia’s” label. Some of these items list flour as an ingredient. It is made from matzo meal. Be sure to look for the cRc-P on each package.

Fresh bagged salads require a reliable certification year round. Specific Star-KP Passover certification is also required on all Fresh Express salads. Dole salads only bearing the plain Star-K (no “P”) are acceptable for Passover, as well. Each bag of salad should be checked for proper certification. Be aware that the Star-K has temporarily removed their certification on many Dole products due to a high infestation of insects.

 The cRc has just released a printable PDF version of their “Guide to Toiveling and Kashering”. The link can be found on the home page of the cRc website  www.crcweb.org

Shoofly Pie Mix manufactured by Good Food, Inc. was mislabeled Kof-k Pareve. The product should be labeled Kof-K Dairy. Corrective measures are being taken.

The cRc’s beverage and Slurpee lists are often used as the source for kosher products. With the world wide use of our website, we want to clarify that the information on all beverages, such as soda and Slurpees, applies only to those purchased in the United States. Other countries may not have kosher supervision on similarly named products. While traveling outside of the United States, including the food and beverage offered on the airlines, it would be prudent to only consume products with a reliable hashgacha.

 Allergen concerns have brought about a new federal labeling law requiring a warning label on any product manufactured on equipment that is also used to manufacture dairy products. This warning does not necessarily reflect the kosher status of the product. Even a pareve item that was made on dairy equipment that was kashured before production, would still be required by law to bear the warning on the label. The product, however, would be pareve. 

 

 

 

Add me to cRc - EMail Kashrus Alerts