Kosher Alerts

January 27, 2023 Wolf Cooktops It has come to STAR-K’s attention that there is a potential halachic issue with some Wolf cooktops that have the auto-ignite feature. When a burner is on, opening or closing a drawer or cabinet door near the cooktop might extinguish the burner flame, which will automatically reignite. The manufacturer has informed us that this poses no safety concern, as the flame comes back right away. However, this does present a halachic concern for Shabbos and Yom Tov. STAR-K advises consumers to conduct the following test on a weekday: Observe the cooktop under normal cooking conditions while opening and closing drawers and cabinet doors in the vicinity of the cooktop. Verify that the burner remains on without interruption. If testing indicates that opening or shutting a particular door or drawer does cause the burner to extinguish and reignite, that drawer should not be opened or closed on Shabbos and Yom Tov when the burner is on. It is recommended that these doors or drawers be taped down before Shabbos and Yom Tov if the burner will be left on.

Ezekiel 5:9 Cinnamon Raisin Cereal - A limited amount of Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin cereal has been found to be kosher compromised. Due to this concern, KOF-K has temporarily removed certification even from packaging bearing the KOF-K sybol while a thorough investigation is being conducted. Oce this concern is fully addressed, a second notification will be issued that it is once again certified. For further information, call KOF-K Kosher Supervision 201-837-0500, info@kof-k.org

December 29th, 2022 - 5 Teves 5783 Please be advised that Fresh Snow Peas and Snap Peas have been found to be infested and should therefore not be used until further notice. MK Kashrus Alert.

Pamela’s Cookies Brand: Pamela’s Product: Whenever Bars: Raisin Walnut & Spice, Cranberry Almond and Blueberry Almond varieties Company: Pamela’s, Golden CO Issue: The Orthodox Union certifies Pamela’s Whenever Bars: Raisin Walnut & Spice, Cranberry Almond and Blueberry Almond as OU D products. They are made on dairy equipment. A small amount was distributed with a plain OU mark, without the D designation.

Product Name: Feta Cheese in Brine Brand: Kitchen Essentials Issue: Inadvertently bears an MK Parve symbol. These products are in fact DAIRY. Corrective action has been taken.

With the approach of Rosh Hashana, when many of us will be enjoying fresh fruits and other traditional foodstuffs, STAR-K reminds you that some of these items need to be checked carefully prior to use. Checking instructions for all Rosh Hashana Simanim appear here and also as a downloadable PDF below. For your convenience, we are also including links to the 5783 Yoshon Quick Reference Guide, Insect Checking chart and What Do Bugs Look Like chart. https://www.star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/RST_RoshHashana_5782-FOR-WEB-min-3.pdf https://www.star-k.org/checking.php https://www.star-k.org/images/What-bugs-look-like.pdf https://www.star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/yosh-qrg-ver_9.20.22.pdf ROSH HASHANA SIMANIM CHECKING INSTRUCTIONS APPLES/BEETS/CARROTS/POMEGRANATES: No checking required. DATES*: Open a few dates in each container and visually inspect. If no insects can be seen, the rest may be eaten without further checking. FIGS*: Open each one and check carefully for infestation (typically wasps, beetles or worms). NOTE: Figs are particularly difficult to check. * Checking instructions for dates and figs apply even if they have a hechsher, due to the possibility of improper storage. BLACK EYED PEAS: Preparation Dried Peas should first be boiled in water. After they have been fully cooked, allow the peas to soak in the water for 2-3 hours. The peas will then swell and the peel will become translucent. Then check as instructed below. Canned or Frozen Peas may be checked straight out of the can/bag; there is no need to boil or soak. Checking Instructions Take the 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. NOTE: 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. LEEKS: Examine the outside for any leaf miner trails. Check in between the leaves for thrips or other insects. CABBAGE: Fresh Cabbage: Separate all leaves and wash well. Then check using the thrip cloth method. Stuffed Cabbage: After freezing the head, defrost and separate all leaves and wash them well. Then check using the thrip cloth method. THRIP CLOTH METHOD: Prepare a basin with water and non-bleach/non-toxic dishwasher detergent solution. The water should feel slippery. Agitate the produce in the solution for 15 seconds. Remove the produce from the basin and shake off excess water over the basin. Pour water through the thrip cloth over another basin. Check the thrip cloth over a light box for any insects.** If insects are found, wash the produce again and recheck, repeating steps 1-4. This can be repeated up to 3 times. If insects are still found on the third try, the produce should not be used. ** If one does not have a thrip cloth, the cabbage leaves may be checked carefully using a lightbox or under good lighting. HONEY: Pure honey does not need a hechsher (Clover, Wildflower, Blossom, Orange, etc., are types of honey, not flavors). Flavored honey needs a hechsher. STAR-K wishes everyone a k’siva v’chasima tova and a sweet new year!

As Rosh Hashana 5873 approaches, we would like to ensure that consumers are aware that there is an abundance of fresh Israeli fruit from the Shemittah year in the market, specifically fresh dates. Fresh Barhi dates may be Shemittah fruits which are subject to the laws of Shemittah. Shemittah fruits are imbued with a special kedusha that creates restrictions from purchasing to consumption and the inability to discard them. Dried dates may be produce of last year which would be subject to the laws of terumos and maaseros but they also may be produce of Shemittah. Please take care in checking the country of origin of all the fruit that you purchase including pomegrantes (Shoham is the Israeli brand).