Kosher Alerts

GEFEN PEARL BARLEY with date code 07-20-22 has been found to have infestation in some bags, and must be checked before using. Several Kashrus agencies recommend that all barley (and in particular Yoshon brands) be checked prior to use. Following are two options for checking: Soaking Method: Place all the barley you wish to use in a white bowl, and fill the bowl with water, a few inches over the top of the barley. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. If insects are present, they will float to the top. If any do, repeat the process, and if no more are then found, the barley may be used. Plate Method: Place a small pile of barley - about two ounces at a time - on a white paper plate (not plastic, which creates a shine) with good overhead light that illuminates the plate. Use a finger or a fork to drag a small amount of barley away from the pile, spreading that barley in a single layer. Visually inspect the spread- apart barley, looking for webbing, black insects and white or tan worms between or under the kernels. Repeat this until the entire pile has been checked. Then do the same for the rest of the barley in the package.

Triscuit Rosemary & Jalapeno with Chia Seeds, Mondelēz Canada Inc. is missing D – Dairy Designation In Canada, the Orthodox Union certifies Triscuit Rosemary & Jalapeno with Chia Seeds as an OU D-Dairy product. This product contains dairy as indicated in the ingredient and allergen statements. Some packaging was labeled with a plain OU Symbol, without the D - Dairy designation. Corrective actions are being implemented.

October 27, 2020: From the COR Detroit and confirmed by the OU: Cap’n Crunch Cereal - Regular (Original): The OU has informed us that although this cereal bears an OU-D, it is actually 100% pareve and is produced on pareve equipment. Years ago it was produced on dairy equipment and was labeled OU-D, and the packaging has not yet been updated. Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal in Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Golden Maple and Honey Nut varieties with an OU-D do not contain dairy ingredients, but are produced on dairy equipment.

26 Tishrei 5781 – October 14, 2020 Product Name: Whole Dried Shiitake Mushrooms Company: Eden Foods Clinton, MI 49236 Advisory: Please be advised that Eden Whole Dried Shiitake Mushrooms now require checking for tolaim, even when bearing the OK symbol. We recommend the following steps be taken to verify that any given batch of this product is permitted to be eaten: - Place the mushrooms in sealed clear plastic container with lukewarm water. - Agitate vigorously. - Place mushrooms in colander under a heavy spray of lukewarm water from the sink while shaking the mushrooms. - Place mushrooms again in a sealed container with lukewarm water. - Agitate vigorously. - Place a 50 micron mesh cloth between two colanders. - Place mushrooms in colander under a heavy spray of lukewarm water from the sink while shaking the mushrooms. - Filter the water in the colanders through the mesh. - Remove and inspect the mesh cloth on a light box. - The container should not be overloaded. Only a modest amount of mushrooms should be placed into the container at once. - Repeat process until no insects are found. Please see our OK Kosher Vegetable Checking Guide (available online or as an app) for complete instructions on checking various types of produce. Action: Based on these findings, we will be suspending certification of this product until further notice. This advisory does not apply to any other OK-certified Eden Foods products.

OU KASHRUTH ADVISORY October 12, 2020 Kashrus Advisory Dr. Pepper in Texas Brand: Dr. Pepper Product: Dr. Pepper in Cans Company: The Coca Cola Company, Atlanta GA Issue: The El Paso, TX and Abilene, TX canners of Coca-Cola products have retained the services of a new company to supply aluminum cans and lids. The company does not yet have the tools to emboss the lids with the OU symbol. Therefore, for several weeks cans of products from these two locations will not bear the OU symbol. The Kashrut of the products is, of course, not impacted. These two plants produce a limited range of Dr. Pepper products that are produced under the supervision of the Orthodox Union. They too will lack the symbol during this transition period but product purchased in El Paso or Abilene will be acceptable. We want to assure you that all efforts are being made to enable the new supplier to emboss the symbol on the lids as soon as possible to minimize any inconvenience to the consumer.

OU KASHRUTH ALERT August 24, 2020 Lucerne Farms Coffee Creamer Brand Lucerne Farms Product Multiple varieties of 32 oz non-dairy coffee creamer Company Lucerne Farms Issue Missing D - Dairy symbol Product is dairy as it contains sodium caseinate (a milk derivative) as stated in the ingredient panel. According to the FDA this ingredient can be labeled "non-dairy", however, according to halacha it is actual dairy. Multiple varieties of the 32 oz coffee creamer is missing the D- Dairy designation. Other sizes correctly bear the OU D symbol. Corrective actions are being implemented.

OU KASHRUTH ADVISORY August 7, 2020 Season Sardines Brand: Season Product: Sardines – Product of Morocco Company: Season Brand Products Issue: This product was previously OUP certified (Kosher for Passover) year round. Due to logistical considerations related to COVID-19 work and travel restrictions, this product will be certified OU for year round use. Prior to Passover, an additional quantity of OUP product may be produced. There may be OU and OUP product available in the market simultaneously. When purchasing, consumers should always check for the kosher symbol on the products, and not rely on familiarity of the product.

August 2, 2020 Nice Sweet & Spicy Trail Mix Brand: Nice Product: Sweet & Spicy Trail Mix Company: Wallgreens Inc., Deerfield IL Issue: Missing D - Dairy Designation The Orthodox Union certifies Nice Sweet & Spicy Trail Mix as an OU D - Dairy product. This product contains dairy, as indicated in the ingredients and allergen statements. Some packages were labeled with a plain OU symbol, without the D - Dairy designation. Corrective actions are being implemented.

Great Value Creamy Coconut Fruit Bars Brand: Great Value Product: Creamy Coconut Fruit Bars (frozen snack) Company: Walmart Inc., Bentonville AZ Issue: Missing D - Dairy Designation The Orthodox Union certifies Great Value Creamy Coconut Bars as an OU D - Dairy product. This product contains dairy as indicated in the ingredients and allergen statements. Some packaging bear an OU symbol without the D - Dairy designation. Corrective actions are being implemented.

Issue: Clarification for Online Shopping: While consumers increasingly turn to online vendors for food shopping, please note that internet statements and images are NOT always reliable to confer kosher status. To confirm that a product is certified please contact OU Kosher at oukosher.org, kosherq@ou.org, 212-613-8241 or download the OU Kosher app at ou.org/apps. Certified products must physically bear the OU symbol on the label.

Walmart Cherry Pie Brand: Freshness Guaranteed Product: Cherry Pie (4 oz.) Company: WalMart Inc., Bentonville AZ Issue: Missing D - Dairy Designation The Orthodox Union certifies Walmart Freshness Guaranteed Cherry Pie as an OU D - Dairy product. This product contains dairy as indicated in the allergen and ingredient statements. Some boxes were printed with a plain OU symbol without the D designation. Corrective actions have been implemented.