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Kosher Alert!

OU KOSHER ADVISORIES AND ALERTS 5764

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The Following OU Kosher Advisories and Alerts were released by the Orthodox Union's Kashruth Division on the date indicated.

Please remember to always check your label before purchasing any item that needs a hechsher!

We welcome your Comments and questions.

June 2005
June 1, 2005 Brand: Kalva
Product: 1) Banana Candy Crown Coating
2) Peppermint Candy Crown Coating
3) Pina Colada Candy Crown Coating

Company:
The Kalva Corp., Gurnee, IL
Issue:
These products are certified as OU-D, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Packaging has been revised.
May 2005
May 27, 2005 Product: Roll with Whipped Butter and Roll with Cream Cheese
Company:
Lakewood Bakery, Farmingdale, NY
Issue:
These products bear an unauthorized OU symbol and are not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. These products have been withdrawn from the marketplace.
Brand: Specialty
Product:
Dessert Shells
Company:
Specialty Bakers, Marysville, PA
Issue: This product is certified kosher when bearing the OU symbol. Orthodox Union policy prohibits the same product from being manufactured at kosher and non kosher facilities (even when the non kosher product does not bear the OU   symbol). A limited amount of product has been manufactured at a non kosher facility. The non kosher product is not bearing the OU symbol, however, consumers should verify that the OU symbol is on each individual package purchased.
In general, the Orthodox Union urges consumers to confirm that the OU symbol is on all products purchased as kosher.
May 20, 2005 Brand: Veggie Patch
Product: Assorted Soy Products
Company:
Foodtech International, Inc.
Issue:
These products, previously certified by the Orthodox Union as Pareve, will now be certified as OU-Dairy. OU-D stickers will be placed over the OU-Pareve symbol. Product with the OU-Pareve symbol are still Pareve despite the listing of dairy ingredients in the ingredient panel.
Brand: Bazzini
Product:
Wasabi Peas (5 lb bag) UPC: 7506230999
Company:
A.L. Bazzini Co., Inc., Bronx, NY
Issue:
This product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Product has been withdrawn from the marketplace and packaging has been revised. 
May 13, 2005 Brand: Tuti’s
Product: Ice Cream and Frozen Fruit Bars (assorted flavors)
Company:
A.J. Enterprises, Los Angeles, CA
Issue:
These products bear an unauthorized OU symbol and are not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union.
May 9, 2005 Brand:El Burrito Mercado
Product: Pork Flavored Tamales
Company:
El Burrito Mercado Products, Ltd., St. Paul, MN
Issue:
This product’s label had been printed with an unauthorized OU symbol. It was to have been restricted from sale, yet a few packages were inadvertently sold in Super Target stores in North Carolina. The product has been withdrawn from the marketplace.
Product: White Grape Juice Concentrate in drums
Company:
Mundo Organico, Mendoza, Argentina
Issue:
Due to technical issues, drums bearing OU seals 0030321-0030342 and 0030344-0030458 do not meet OU kosher standards. These drum numbers were included on a letter of certification dated April 4, 2005. This letter was amended and replaced by a letter dated May 3, 2005. All other drums with OU seals are OU certified.
April 2005
April 19, 2005

PESACH KASHRUS ALERT
MEHADRIN SHMURAH MATZO BAKERY

SOME MEHADRIN SHMURAH HAND MATZOS FROM OUR BAKERY HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED TO CONTAIN WHITE SPECKS OF FLOUR. THOSE MATZOS WITH WHITE SPECKS SHOULD NOT BE USED ON PESACH.

PRODUCT CAN BE RETURNED TO POINT OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND.

Brand: Blooms
Product: 24 Pack Assorted Potato Chips
Company:
Bloom Packaging
Issue: Non Passover Onion & Garlic Potato Chips.
Some cartons mistakenly contain non-Passover certified, (without an OU-P),  Onion & Garlic Potato Chips. The other flavors in carton are certified for Passover. Spiced Onion Flavor Potato Chips are certified for Passover.
Note: Cartons of Assorted Fries & Stix are not affected
April 18, 2005 Brand: Ducktrap River of Maine
Product: Smoke Roasted Salmon (Cracked Pepper & Garlic and Plain varieties)
Company:
Ducktrap River of Maine, Belfast, ME
Issue:
These products mistakenly bear an unauthorized OU symbol and are not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. The products are being withdrawn from the marketplace. (Other Ducktrap River of Maine Products are kosher when bearing the OU symbol.)
April 15, 2005 The Orthodox Union requires the use of the OU-D symbol on products that contain dairy ingredients.
Generally, a product that bears an OU symbol without a "D" can be assumed to be pareve.  Nonetheless, the kashruth department of the Orthodox Union strongly recommends that consumers review the ingredient panel of products that are labeled OU (without a "D") before concluding that the item is actually pareve.  The Orthodox Union certifies over 500,000 different labels, and in rare instances, the “D” may be omitted because of manufacturer errors.  Though such mislabeling is usually spotted very quickly, it has not been possible to maintain perfect control over this situation.
Dairy ingredients include the following: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Cream, Whey, Lactose, Casein Or Caeseinate.
April 11, 2005 Brand: Shamrock
Product: Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes (food service) 
Company:
Shamrock Foods Company, Phoenix, AZ
Issue:
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.
April 8, 2005 Brand: Brach’s
Product: StarBrite Peppermint Candy
Company:
Brach’s Confections Inc., Dallas, TX
Issue:
Some StarBrite candies bear an OU symbol. StarBrite candies are not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union.
Hooka Café, 8879 west Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA has been representing the café as OU certified. The Café is not certified by the Orthodox Union. Consumers to whom this representation is made are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8169 or via email at howardk@ou.org.
April 5, 2005 Brand: Lite n’ Hearty
Product: Frozen Egg Product (food service only)
Company:
Michael Foods, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Issue:
This product mistakenly bears an OU-P symbol. This product is certified by the Orthodox Union for year-round use. Future packaging is being revised.
Brand: Papetti’s
Product: Frozen Egg Product (food service only)
Company:
Hygrade Egg Products, Inc., Elizabeth, NJ
Issue:
This Orthodox Union certified product mistakenly bears an OU-P symbol instead of an OU-D symbol. It contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel. The manufacturer mistakenly used the “P” designation rather than the “D” designation and the product is not certified for Passover. Future packaging will be revised.
April 1, 2005 Brand: Da Costa
Product: Stuffed Olives (assorted flavors including Anchovy and Blue Cheese) 
Company:
Da Costa & Co., Haddonfield, NJ
Issue:
These products bear an unauthorized OU symbol and are not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. The 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
March 2005
March 30, 2005 Brand: Del Monte
Product: Vanilla Yogurt Raisins
Company:
SGI, Yuba City, CA
Issue:
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.
March 22, 2005 Brand: Comfort Cake
Product: Awesome Almond Loaf Slice & Chocolate Chip Fantasy Loaf Slice & Luscious Lemon Loaf Slice & Very Vanilla Loaf Slice
Company:
The Comfort Cake Company, LLC, Chicago, IL
Issue:
These certified products contain dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panels but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
Brand: Syfo
Product:
Flavored Sparkling Water
Company:
Universal Beverage, Leesburg, FL
Issue:
2005 Passover product, bearing the OU-P, should have only an expiration date of 020907 or later. Any earlier expiration date is not certified for Passover. If you see any earlier date, please contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or kashalerts@ou.org.
Brand: Savion
Product:
Passover Crème Cookies (both varieties)
Company:
HKS Marketing, Ltd., Bayonne, NJ
Issue:
Ingredient panel mistakenly lists Passover Matzo Meal. The product does not contain Matzo Meal and the brocha is shehakol
Brand: Entenmann’s
Product:
Chocolate Chunk Muffin Bar, Apple Cinnamon Muffin Bar, Chocolate Chunk Granola Square
Company:
Entenmann’s Inc., Totowa, NJ
Issue:
These products are not certified as kosher and do not bear the OU symbol. Consumers should always check for the OU symbol and not rely on brand recognition.
March 21, 2005 Product: Sugar Free Gold Mini Cupcakes &                                Sugar Free Chocolate Mini Cupcakes
Company:
Freed’s Bakery, Manchester, NH
Issue:
These certified products contain dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panels but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
March 17, 2005 Brand: Berkley & Jensen
Product:
Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips
Company: BJWC, Natick, MA
Issue:
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.
Brand: The Vanilla Bean Baking Co.
Product:
Holiday Sugar Cookies and Petite Fudge Fancies
Company:Vanilla Bean Baking Co., Troy, NY
Issue:
This product, primarily distributed in Upstate New York, mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
February 2005
February 15, 2005 Brand: H-O Oatmeal
Company: GFA Brands, Cresskill, NJ
Product: Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal
Issue: Cardboard box states OU Parve. Some individual packets bear an OU-D. The product is actually Parve.
Some travel agents and tour operations have been distributing literature for the Hyatt Regency, Acapulco. The literature falsely associates the supervising Rabbi Meir Antebi with the Orthodox Union. Rabbi Antebi has no connection with the Orthodox Union.
Brand: Shoprite
Product: Cook ‘N’ Bake Butter Flavor Pan Spray
Company: Wakefren Food Corp; Elizabeth, NJ
Issue: Product is certified OU-D but label mistakenly states OU Parve. The product is being withdrawn.
Brand: Bodek
Product: Fresh Salads (Lettuce, Cole Slaw, etc)
Issue: Retail: Fresh Salads with Date Codes Feb 12, 16, 19, or 22 should not be used. Refunds will be given for returned packages. All new fresh produce dated from February 26th and on, may be used.
Bodek frozen items are not affected.
For Food Service and Institutional Only
All new bulk fresh produce dated February 15th and on may be used.
February 10, 2005 Brand: Pirate’s Booty
Product: Gourmet Coffee Chocolate Cookie Soy Bar
Company: Roberts American Gourmet (robscape.com)
Issue: 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.

Brand: Frito Lay
Product: Original Trail Mix
Company: Frito Lay, Inc., Plano, TX
Issue: 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.

December 2004
January 11, 2005 Brand: Swiss Gold
Product: Swiss Premium Dark Chocolate
Company: Galaxy Imports, Inc., Hillcrest, NY
Issue: Product is certified as -D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org
December 17, 2004 Brands: Cappiello and Price Chopper
Products: Mozzarella Cheese and Scamorze
Companies: F. Cappiello, Schenectady, NY and
Price Chopper, Schenectady, NY
Issue: Mozzarella products with the expiration dates 04/02/05 and 02/01/05 and Scamorze with the expiration date 10/04/05 are not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union and are to have the OU symbol covered or crossed out. Consumers should always check products at the time of purchase to verify the presence of a Kosher symbol.
December 20, 2004 Brand: Kemps
Product: Strawberry Low Fat Milk
Company: Kemps LLC, Minneapolis, MN
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Future packaging will be revised.
Effective Friday, December 24, 2004, Meyer Kosher Gourmet, located at 306 East 81st Street, New York, NY, is no longer certified by the Orthodox Union.
December 17, 2004 Brand: Betty Crocker
Product: Nacho Cheese flavor Bugles
Company: General Mills Canada Corp.
Issue: This product, distributed in Canada, mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. The product label has been corrected. Consumers spotting this product with an OU symbol are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.
(Original flavor Bugles are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union.)
December 15, 2004 Brand: Pinnacle Gold
Product: Veggie Crisps (Mixed Vegetable Chips)
Company: Pinnacle Marketing, Fairfield, CT
Issue: Product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.
December 14, 2004 Brand: Walgreen’s
Product: Peach Rings candy
Company: Walgreen’s, Deerfield, IL
Issue: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.

Brand: Benson’s
Product: Fruit Cake
Company: Benson’s Bakery, Bogart, GA
Issue: Product is certified as OU-D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Corrective action is being taken.

Novemer 2004
November 22, 2004

Brand: Grammy Collection
Product: Assorted Wines
1) Khvanchkara-Red Semi Sweet
2) Kindzmarauli-Red Semi Sweet
3) Alazanis Valley-Red Semi Sweet
4) Tuishi-White
Company: P.M. Georgia Ltd.
Issue: These wines, manufactured in Georgia, bear an unauthorized OU symbol. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

November 18, 2004 Brand: El Burrito Mercado
Product: 1) Tamales-Chicken and Green Chile Flavored
2) Tamales-Pork Flavored
Company: El Burrito Mercado Products, Ltd., St. Paul, MN
Issue: This product, sold exclusively in Super Target stores, bears an unauthorized OU-D symbol. The product is not kosher and is being withdrawn from the marketplace. (Other El Burrito Mercado Products are kosher when bearing the OU symbol.)
November 17, 2004

Brand: Classic Sysco
Product: Iodized Salt (25 lb. Package)
Company: Sysco Corporation, Houston, Texas
Issue: This product bears an OU-P symbol and is not certified as Kosher for Passover. Product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.

November 3, 2004 

Brand:  Rafaello
Product:
Astri Spumante Sparkling White Wine
Company: American Wholesale Wine and Spirits, Northbrook, IL
Issue: Product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

October 2004
October 26, 2004 Brand: Guest House
Product:
Cocoa Supreme (hot cocoa mix)
Company: Performance Food Group, Richmond, VA
Issue:
This product, sold in single serving packets, is certified as OU-D (the ingredient panel lists whey as an ingredient). The dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
Brand: Hanover Silver Line Hanover Gold Line
Product: Frozen Broccoli
Company: Hanover Foods, Hanover, PA
Issue: Due to changes in production, these products will no longer be certified. Customers should only buy products that still bear the OU symbol.
October 19, 2004  Brand: Route 29, Napa
Product: “Little Bits of Heaven” Caramel Favorites
Company: Route 29, Napa, Napa, CA
Issue: Product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at herbstmanh@ou.org
September 2004
September 10, 2004 Product: Apples with Caramel Dip
(A refrigerated item sold in Starbucks).
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an OU symbol. The dip is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union. Future packaging will not bear the OU symbol.
August 2004
August 17, 2004 Company: Run-A-Ton Group
Brand: Wholly Healthy
Product: Assorted flavors of pies
Issue: Wholly Healthy raw frozen pies are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union. These pies, when “baked off” at supermarket bakeries (amongst them Whole Food Markets in-store bakeries), have been incorrectly represented as OU certified. Our supervision of these pies is limited to the raw, unbaked pie. Run-A-Ton Group is withdrawing all OU labels from such bakeries.
August 19, 2004 Company: N.CH Hotel Costa del Sol, Spain
Issue: N.CH Hotel had inadvertently placed the OU symbol on its business cards. N.CH Hotel is certified kosher by Rabbi Shaul Khalili and not by the Orthodox Union.
July 2004
July 22, 2004 Brand: Jaffa Cakes
Product:
Chocolate Covered Jelly Biscuits
Company:
(Jaffa) Crvenka
Issue:
Product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email at herbstmanh@ou.org
July 21, 2004 Company: Old London Foods
Brand:
Old London
Product:
Restaurant Style Croutons 1-Italian 2-Seasoned Sourdough
Issue:
The ingredient statement erroneously states that the product contains dairy ingredients. Product does not contain dairy ingredients and is certified Pareve. Corrective action has been taken for future packaging.
Product:
Parmesan cheese and Garlic Toastettes.
Clarification:
The ingredient statement correctly includes natural cheese flavor. The product is certified Pareve.
July 1, 2004 Brand: San Joaquin Valley
Products:
Almonds Butter Toffee, Almonds Chile Lemon, Pistachios Chile Lemon, Pistachio & Berry Mix, Almonds Cinnamon Honey, Autumn Mix, Almonds Cappuccino, Mixed Nuts Roasted & Salted, Almonds Orange Honey, Pistachios Southwest Hickory, Almonds Mocha, Cashews Honey Roasted.
Company:
San Joaquin Valley Farms LLC Tulare, CA
Issue:
Products are certified as OU-D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
June 2004
June 28, 2004 Brand: Sysco Imperial
Product: Cream of Coconut Cocktail Mix- (16.5 and 51 fluid oz.) Sysco Vendor # 003665
Company: Sysco Corp., Houston, TX
Issue: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
June 24, 2004 Brand: Carbolite
Product: Chocolate Mint Bar
Company: Carbolite Food Inc., Evansville, IN
Issue: Product is certified as OUD, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Packaging has been revised.
June 23, 2004 Brand: Dainty-Pak
Product:
Cream of Coconut Cocktail Mix
Company:
Veronica Foods, Oakland, CA
Issue:
This product, primarily sold in Big Lots stores, bears an unauthorized symbol and is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
June 17, 2004 Brand: Greenseas
Product:
Assorted varieties tuna fish products
Company:
H.J. Heinz- Australia
Issue:
Tuna products manufactured by this company are kosher when bearing the OU symbol on the product label. Some varieties of non-certified tuna, distributed in Australia, had the OU symbol placed on the cardboard shipping cartons. The OU symbol does not appear on the individual cans, and product contained in these cartons should not be considered certified.
June 17, 2004 Brand: Yves Veggie Cuisine
Company: Yves Veggie Cuisine, Delta, BC, Canada
Issue: Due to changes in production, OU certified products are now dairy and bear an OUD. Existing inventory bearing only an OU, are certified as pareve.
June 7, 2004 Brand: Hidden Valley 
Product: The Original Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
Company: The Clorox Sales Co., Oakland, CA
Issue: Product is certified as OU-D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised. 
Royal Caribbean Cruises has included the OU symbol in it’s literature as well as claims that the Weberman’s Frozen meals served are OU certified. The Orthodox Union does not certify Royal Caribbean or Weberman’s Frozen Meals.
May 2004
May 28, 2004 Product: Assorted deli and fresh fruit items 
Company: Albertson's Food & Drug , 1425 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, FL 
Issue: The Albertson’s store named above inadvertently, and for a short period of time, placed the OU symbol on product packaged in it’s deli and fresh fruit department. The products have been withdrawn.
May 14, 2004 Products: Buttermilk Pie, Coconut Chess Pie, German Chocolate Pie, Lemon Chess Pie
Company: American Products Co., or Best Brands Corp. Dallas, TX
Issue: Due to errors in production, the products contain non-kosher ingredients. Product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
May 13, 2004 Brand: Williams-Sonoma
Product:
Chocolate Fondue Chips, White Chocolate Fondue Chips, Peppermint Fondue Chips
Company:
Williams-Sonoma Inc., San Francisco, CA
Issue:
These products, sold in Williams-Sonoma stores, are dairy and are missing the “D” designation. The products have been withdrawn from the marketplace.
May 12, 2004 Brand: L & A
Product: Cranberry Delight (Cranberry Juice)
Issue: Product with the date code “Mar 24 06” mistakenly contains non-kosher ingredients. Bottles with other date codes and bearing the OU are kosher certified. Corrective action is being taken.
May 3, 2004 Brand: Walt Disney World
Product:
Chocolate Dipped Crispy Rice Treats
Company:
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Issue:
Product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union. Product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
May 3, 2004 Brand: Controlled Carb
Products: Classic Brownie, Brownie Rice Crispy, & DiaBT Plain Bagel
Company:
Controlled Carb Gourmet, Las Vegas, NV / Miami, FL
Issue:
Product lacks the requisite dairy designation. 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 loewia@ou.org.
April 2004
April 22, 2004 Brand: Islands Blends
Product: Juices: Assorted Flavors and Sizes
Company: Healthy Choice, Los Angeles, CA
Issue: This company is distributing products bearing an unauthorized OU symbol. Consumers spotting any products of Islands Blends that bear an OU symbol are requested to call 212-613-8148 or email loewia@ou.org.
March 2004
March 29, 2004 Brand: Castello Ponte 
Product: Tuna Fish in vegetable oil (Spanish label)
Company: Songkia Canning, Thailand
Issue: This product, distributed in South America, mistakenly bears an OU-P symbol.
Brands: Imperial & Topaz
Product: Wafer Rolls in a can - product of Greece
Company: Rokeach Food Dist., Newark, NJ
Issue: Products bear a label stating OU kosher pareve - special production. The products may contain traces of dairy. Consumers should return the product to the store of purchase for a full refund.
The product is being recalled. 
March 25, 2005 Brand: Calavo
Product: Homestyle, Mild & Fiesta Guacamole
Company: Calavo Growers, Santa Ana, CA
Issue: Due to changes in the production facility, the products currently being sold mistakenly bear an unauthorized OU 
symbol and are not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union.
Corrective action is being taken.
Brand: Ceprio
Product: Italian Home Style Giardiniera
Company: ViaRoma Foods, Inc., Wheeling, IL
Issue: Product bears an unauthorized OUP symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Consumers spotting
this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8169 or email howardk@ou.org.
March 23, 2004 Product: Yoshon Flour 
Brands/Co: Dependable Bakers, Dependable High Gluten,
Fantastic High Gluten/Dependable Food Corp., Edison, NJ
Super Bagel, Mazor, Mountain High, Mountain Strength, Progressive Baker Fancy Clear, Spring Hearth, FY High Gluten, Progressive Baker Hummer/Cargill, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Issue: Some bags of consumer and industrial flour with a date code of AL241 or earlier have been found to contain insects. Users should check or sift the flour before using.
March 11, 2004 Brand: Wild Garden 
Product: Hummus (assorted flavors)
Company: ZBI, Cicero, IL
Issue: This product, sold in jars, mistakenly bears an OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Consumers spotting this product are asked to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8148 or via email loewia@ou.org.

March 9, 2004

Last week I sent out an alert regarding Murray Goulburn AMF (Anhydrous Milkfat) and/or Butter from plant# 581. The original message distinguished between products bearing the OUD symbol and those that do not. Additional investigation has determined that at least with regards to the AMF, there appears to have been some fraudulent labels that bear an OUD symbol.

Please note that these fraudulent labels are not being produced by Murray Goulburn. Rather, it appears that along the distribution line at least one broker who is not affiliated with Murray Goulburn has relabeled and/or repackaged AMF using the Murray Goulburn name. The matter is being investigated further.

Please see the attached fraudulent label, Signs of the fraudulent labels may include any or all of the following:


1) Misspelling of the Goulburn name "Goldbourn" ("Produced by Murray Goldbourn"). There is another spot on the label where the name is spelled properly.

2) The Kosher symbol appearing as a "U" inside a circle and the "D" inside a square.

3) Lot code beginning with "ram" together with the name "Maffra" and "Establishment No. 581" appearing on the label.

Action Items:

1) Please check product appearing in your plants and see if any of these signs of forgery are present and/or if there is no kosher symbol on the package.

2) If you suspect that your plant has received products bearing a fraudulent label, please provide Rabbi Katzenstein and I a Company Name, Contact name and phone number for the broker selling this product as well as the company that purchased it.

3) Obviously, don't use the product unless it has the customary OUD symbol, bears #581 plant number and does not contain one of signs of forgery mentioned above.

4) If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you and Kol Tuv, 
Rabbi Avram Ossey 
Rabbinic Coordinator 
Phone:212-613-8314, Fax:212-613-0652, E-Mail: osseya@ou.org

March 4, 2004 Brand: Hansen’s
Product: Natural Junior Juice Box Drinks Apple Berry, Apple Grape, Apple Juice, Fruit Punch, Mixed Fruit, Orange Twist and White Grape Company: Hansen Beverage Co., Corona, CA
Issue: The Apple Grape and White Grape products contain OU approved Kosher white grape concentrate. The OU at present is not included in the graphics on some of the above individual box drinks. However,  the letters OU can be found video 
jetted as part of the production code on top of the container where it says “Best when used by…”. The OU can be found on the J. Board of the 12 pack (i.e. display board in the form of 
the letter “J”). When new packaging is fully developed, the OU logo will be placed on all of the above individual box drinks. Some new packaging already exists bearing the OU logo 
Brand: Murray Goulburn Cooperative
Products: Anhydrous Milkfat, Butter, and Confectionary Mix AM95HV0950 
Company: Murray Goulburn Cooperative Victoria, Australia
Issue: The above-mentioned industrial items are produced in certified and non-certified versions. The certified products have a “Group 3” status (from specified source with Kosher symbol only) and bear the OU D. Mashgichim should always verify the presence of a Kosher symbol on “Group 3” items as well as the plant # on dairy items. The following are the item names, product #s and plant#s involved:

CERTIFIED PRODUCTS (When bearing the OU D)
Product Name Product # Plant #
AMF Optipak (900kg) 120062 581 
AMF Optipak (950kg) 120064 581 
AMF Drum (210kg) 120019 581 
Confectionary Mix AM95HV0950 120093 581 
Unsalted Butter (25kg) 102009 581 

NON-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS (Not bearing the OU D)
Product Name Product # Plant #
AMF Optipack (900kg) 120063 581 
AMF Optipack (950kg) 120065 581 
AMF Drum (210kg) 120020 581 
Unsalted Butter (25kg) 102011/102012 581 
Brand: Kikkoman, Inc. 
Product: Tempura Batter Mix (Foodservice Item)
Company: Kikkoman, Inc., Walworth, WI 
Issue: Product is certified as OU-D and correctly marked as OU-D on the outer cases. The dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted on the individual bags. Future packaging will be revised.
February 2004
February 25, 2005 Brand: Mrs. Smith’s
Products: Blueberry Crisp, Apple Crisp, Strawberry Crisp
Company: MSB, LLC, Suwanee, GA 
Issue: Product is certified as OU-D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Packaging has been revised. 
February 23, 2004 Brand: Vitarroz
Product: Rice & Cheddar Broccoli
Company: Vitarroz Corp., Jersey City, NJ
Issue: Product is certified as OU-D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
February 6, 2004 Brand: Ratner’s
Product: Ratner’s Soups
Company: King Kold Frozen Foods, Chicago, IL 
Issue: All Ratner’s soups are certified kosher pareve by the Orthodox Union. “Chicken broth” was inadvertently listed on the ingredient panel instead of “imitation chicken broth”. The products are, in fact, pareve. 
Brand: Keebler Company
Product: Chocolate Graham Pie Crust
Company: Keebler Company, Elmhurst, IL 
Issue: Product is certified OU D, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Corrective action is being taken. Please be advised, however, that the regular unflavored Graham Pie Crusts from Keebler bearing the OU are indeed pareve. 
February 2, 2004 Brand: Entenmann’s Inc. (George Weston Bakeries)
Products: Devil’s Food Cake Cookies & Fudge Delights Crispy Cookies-Fudge & Peanut Butter (new product) 
Company: Entenmann’s Inc., Totowa, NJ 
Issue: These products are not certified as kosher and do not bear the OU symbol. Entenmann’s Devil’s Food Cake continues to be certified and bears the OUD. Consumers should always check for 
the OU symbol and not rely on brand recognition.
January 2004
January 29, 2004 Brand: CPR
Product: Non-Dairy Creamer (packet)
Company: CPR Holdings/Diplomat Coffee, Orlando, FL
Issue: Product is certified as OU D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Corrective action is being taken. 
Consumers should be aware that many “non-dairy” creamers contain dairy ingredients. By law, creamers that contain milk derivatives, and not actual milk, must be labeled “non-dairy.”
January 22, 2004 Brand: Ideal
Products: Various Jams & Jellies
Company: Purity Products, Miami, FL
Issue: Products mistakenly bear an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Corrective action is being taken.
Brand: Smucker’s
Product: Mermeleda Baja en Azucar 1) de Fresa
Mermeleda Baja en Azucar 2) de Frambuesa 
Mermeleda Baja en Azucar 3) de Chabacano 
Mermeleda Baja en Azucar 4) de Naranja 
Company: J. M. Smucker de Mexico
Issue: El producto soporta el simbolo OU no autorizado y no es certificado como kosher por la Unión Ortodoxa. El producto se está retirando del mercado.
January 15, 2004 Brand: Racconto
Product: 
1) Parmesan Grated Cheese
2) Romano Grated Cheese
Company: Racconto, Melrose Park, IL.
Issue: Product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union. Product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
January 14, 2004 Brands: Todd’s and Buenocitos
Brand/Product: Chili & Lemon Pistachios 
Companies: Todd’s Inc., Vernon, CA
Issue: Products have been reformulated and are no longer certified by the OU and do not bear the OU. Old packaging which bears the OU properly reflects OU certification. 
January 9, 2004 Brand: Diana Vegetal
Product: Red Wine Powder (An Industrial Item)
Company: Diana Vegetal, Antrain, France
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not Kosher. Corrective action is being taken. 
Brand: Premium Recipe (Foodservice Items)
Products: Olde World Caesar Dressing #15760
Sweet Asian Dipping Sauce & Dressing #15773
Mediterranean Peppercorn Parmesan Dressing #15770
Aged English Blue Cheese Dressing #15767
Company: Pocahontas Foods, USA, Richmond, VA
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not Kosher. Corrective  action is being taken. 
December 2003
December 16, 2003
Brand: Chi Chi’s & House of Tsang 
Product: All Sauces
Company: Hormel Foods Corp., Austin MN
Issue: Due to changes in production, these products are no longer kosher and no longer bear the OU. Consumers should only buy older product still bearing the OU symbol. Hormel can be reached at (800) 523-4635. 
Brand: Mama Mucci’s
Product: Balsamic Vinegar
Company: Mucci Foods, Ltd., Canton, MI
Issue: Product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union.
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, Coheng@ou.org.
December 10, 2003 Brand: Asher’s
Product: Various Chocolate Products
Company: Asher’s Chocolates, Souderton, PA
Issue: All Asher’s products are certified as OU-D but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted from some labels. 
Future packaging will be revised.
December 5, 2003 Brand: Avon SlimWell
Product: Balanced Meal Shakes (individual packets – 12.oz each). 
Flavors: Dutch Chocolate, Cappuccino, French Vanilla
Company: Avon Products Inc., New York, NY
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union.
December 3, 2003
Brand: Kashi
Company: Kashi Co., La Jolla, CA
Issue: Some Kashi products, certified as OU pareve, may include the statement “Contains wheat, milk and soy ingredients”. These products do not contain dairy ingredients. The statement is to alert individuals with severe allergies of the possibility of air borne molecules. Products which actually contain dairy ingredients are labeled as OUD. 
November 2003
November 26, 2003 Brand: American Coffee Services
Product: Non-Dairy Creamer (powder)
Company: American Coffee Services, Cleveland, OH
Issue: Product is certified as OUD but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Corrective action is being taken. 

Consumers should be aware that many “non-dairy” creamers contain dairy ingredients. By law, creamers that contain milk derivatives, and not actual milk, must be labeled “non-dairy.”
November 18, 2003 Product: Very! Vanilla Nesquik (powder)
Company: Nestle Brands, Glendale, CA
Issue: Product is certified as OUD but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
Brand: Idaho Supreme (Bi-Lingual Package)
Products: Cheddar Cheese Au Gratin Potatoes/ Papas Gratinada Con Queso Cheddar & Scalloped Potatoes with Seasoned Sauce Mix/Rebanadas De Papas Con Salsa Sazonada
Company: Idaho Supreme Potatoes, Firth, ID 
Issue: Products have been reformulated and mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol. The products are now not Kosher.  Corrective action is being taken.
November 5, 2003 Brand: Soy Dream
Product: Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert-Strawberry Swirl (quart size)
Company: Imagine Foods/The Hain-Celestial Group
Issue: Product status has changed from Parve to Dairy. New product can be identified by OUD, while product labeled OU 
(without a suffix) is Parve. Consumers should carefully check packaging of all food purchases for changes in Kosher certification.
November 3,  2003 Brands: Pathmark 
Products: Vegetarian Baked Beans
Companies: Pathmark Stores, Inc., Carteret, NJ
Issue: A limited number of cans are mislabeled and contain bacon & beans. The mislabeled cans have a can code of “HBN”. Cans with “HPN OU” in the can code are correctly labeled and contain vegetarian baked beans. Corrective action is being taken. Consumers finding mislabeled product should contact the OU at (212)613-8169.
Brands: Old London 
Products: American Classic Toast
Companies: Old London, Bronx, NY
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not kosher. Corrective action is being taken. Toastettes and Melba Toast produced by Old London are certified as OU Pareve.
October 2003
October 27, 2003 Brand: Tone’s
Product: AJO EN POLVO – CON QUESO PARA PAN
GARLIC BREAD SPRINKLE WITH CHEESE (Spanish-English label).
Company: TONE BROTHERS, ANKENY, IA.
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not kosher. Corrective action is being taken.
October 3, 2003
Brand: Luden’s
Product: Cough Drops & Throat Drops
Company: Pharmacia-Upjohn, Peapack, NJ
Issue: Product now certified as OUD. 
Brand: Stonyfield Farm
Product: O’Soy Cultured Soy (all flavors)
Company: Stonyfield Farms, Inc., Londonderry, NH
Issue: Products are correctly marked as OUD and contains dairy ingredients.
September 2003
September 22, 2003 Brand: Ukrop’s
Product: Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Potato Chips
Company: Ukrop’s Supermarkets, Inc. Richmond, VA
Issue: Product is certified as OUD, but the dairy designation was inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.
September 15, 2003 Brand: Now and Later Candy
Product: Various Flavors
Company: Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company
Round Lake, MN
Issue: Product stating “Product of Mexico”, bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified as Kosher. Corrective action is being taken. 
September 5, 2003 Brand: Maggi
Product: (Maggi) Seasoning – 27 oz.
Company: Nestlé USA Inc., Glendale, CA
Issue: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol. For the past eight months, this product was no longer certified by the Orthodox Union and was produced in a non kosher facility. Affected product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.
September 3, 2003 Brand: Ralph’s
Product: Dutch Hot Cocoa Mix
Company: The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, OH
Issue: Some individual packets have been found to contain non-Kosher Marshmallows. Consumers should check the contents before adding hot water.

August 2003

August 22, 2003 Brand: Remarkable
Product: Orange Marmalade, Peach Preserves, Red Raspberry Preserves, Strawberry Preserves & Apricot Preserves
Company: Safeway Stores, Inc.
Issue: Product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol. Corrective action is being taken.
August 6, 2003 Brand: Arnold Palmer
Product: Iced Tea
Issue: This product is produced by a number of different companies. Some of the products bear an unauthorized OU  symbol. Only Arnold Palmer Lite Half & Half Iced Tea Lemonade manufactured by Arizona/Herbal Enterprises LLC, Lake Success, NY is certified as OU Pareve.
July 2003
July 30, 2003 Frozen Fanta Banana Split® Fountain Syrup is certified kosher under supervision of the Orthodox Union.
We wish to bring to the attention of our consumers that the product is Dairy.
July 23, 2003 Please post in your bungalow colony/camp

We wish to inform the public that Yasgur Farms Ice Cream Store located on Port Jervis Rd. (Rt. 42) in Monticello, NY is not and has never been under Orthodox Union supervision, despite their posting of Letters of Certification referencing ingredients/ice cream used.
A posted Letter of Certification for ice cream mix should not be construed as Kashruth certification for a retail ice cream store. There is no assurance that Kosher ice cream mix, toppings, or cones are being used. Additionally, there is a concern that non-Kosher food may come into contact with equipment or utensils. Only on-site supervision (indicated by a Letter of Certification specifying the retail store) ensures the Kashruth of the ice cream.

July 23, 2003 Brand: Shedd’s
Product: 90 Count Margarine Reddies (a foodservice item)
Company: Unilever Bestfoods, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Issue: Product is certified as OUD. The outer case bears an OU symbol, with no dairy designation. Future packaging will be revised.
July 9, 2003

 

It has come to our attention that some caterers have displayed signs stating that their alcoholic beverages are approved by the OU. Please be aware that there is no current OU approved alcoholic beverage list available. In addition, some of these caterers have been found to be serving non-acceptable drinks. Please report date, location, and the caterer using any such signs to the Orthodox Union (212) 613-8248 or cywiakb@ou.org.

In general, published lists of food items that may be purchased without supervision should be used with much caution, as the status of products is constantly subject to change. Furthermore, an alcoholic beverage list recently published by another kashruth agency claimed that Absolut and Finlandia, were OU certified. These products were never actually certified by the Orthodox Union or certification had been terminated a few years earlier. The consumer’s best guarantee of Kosher integrity is the OU symbol or other reliable Kosher logos appearing on the product label. 

June 2003
June 27, 2003 Brand: Magdalenas
Product: Lemon Muffins
Issue: This product, found in close - out stores in Cleveland, OH, has several letters on the package which are encircled. Among these letters is a U. The product is not certified by the Orthodox Union. Consumers finding this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8248.
June, 2003

 

Please post in your bungalow colony/camp - Download PDF
A posted Letter of Certification for ice cream mix should not be construed as Kashruth certification for a retail ice cream store. There is no assurance that Kosher ice cream mix, toppings, or cones are being used. Additionally, there is a concern that non-Kosher food may come into contact with equipment or utensils. Only on-site supervision (indicated by a Letter of Certification specifying the retail store) ensures the Kashruth of the ice cream.
We wish to inform the public that Beachcomber located on Route 52 in Loch Sheldrake, NY is not and has never been under the Orthodox Union supervision, despite their posting a Letter of Certification referring to the ice cream being served.
June, 2003
Company: Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffees Corp.
Issue: A number of Gloria Jean’s Coffee Shops were incorrectly displaying a sign indicating that they were OU certified. The offending signs are being removed. 
May 2003
May 30, 2003 Brand: Racquet
Product: Various Flavors of Chips
Company: Ultra Ssnacks Industries, Inc.     Boca Raton, FL
Issue: Product is certified as OU D. The dairy designation was mistakenly omitted.  New packaging will be revised. 
March 2003
March 10, 2003 Brand: Best Yet
Product: Butter Flavored Cooking Spray
Company: Fleming Companies - Oklahoma City, OK
Issue: This product contains butter (as listed on the label/ingredient panel) yet lacks the “D” symbol. New packaging is being implemented
March 4, 2003 Brand: BASF  
Product: Dry Vitamin E-Acetate 50% DC  
Company: BASF Health & Nutrition A/S, Denmark
Issue: This industrial product, with gelatin listed on the ingredient panel, had an unauthorized OU symbol stamped on the label subsequent to its manufacture/distribution. 
February 2003
February 18, 2003
Brand: Control Carb
Product: Assorted Baked Goods (Brownies, Cakes, Bagels)
Company: Controlled Carb Gourmet, Las Vegas, NV/Miami, FL
Issue: This company is distributing products bearing an unauthorized OU symbol. Consumers spotting any products of Controlled Carb Gourmet that bear an OU symbol are requested to call 212-613-8248.
January 2003
January 8, 2003 BRAND: Stella D’oro
PRODUCT: Cookies & Baked Products
ISSUE:
Plans were made to change these products to Dairy. The packaging had been switched to OUD in advance of the ingredient change. The change to dairy has been cancelled and all Stella D’oro products, even those labeled OUD, are actually Pareve.
November 2002
November 27, 2002 Brand: 7-Eleven
Product: “Slurpee”
Company: The Southland Corporation, Dallas TX
Issue: The 7-Eleven customer information center had incorrectly informed consumers that Slurpee was kosher certified by the Orthodox Union.
“Slurpee” is not certified kosher by the Orthodox Union, and the misrepresentation has ceased.
July 2002
July 25, 2002 The Orthodox Union requires the use of the OUD symbol on products that contain dairy ingredients.

Generally, a product that bears an OU symbol without a "D" can be assumed to be pareve. Nonetheless, the kashruth department of the Orthodox Union strongly recommends that consumers review the ingredient panel of products that are labeled OU (without a "D") before concluding that the item is actually pareve. The Orthodox Union certifies over 200,000 different labels, and in rare instances, the “D” may be omitted because of printing errors. Though such mislabeling is usually spotted very quickly, it has not been possible to maintain perfect control over this situation.

Dairy ingredients include the following: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Cream, Whey, Lactose, Casein Or Caeseinate.
June 2002
June 28, 2002 XIAMEN YONGQUAN GROUP CO., LTD.,
XIAMEN 361004, CHINA

had been certified by the Orthodox Union for a limited number of industrial products. Xiamen Yongquan Group Co., Ltd. has distributed a forged Letter of Certification covering products not certified by the Orthodox Union. The company has been terminated and their products are not recommended.
September 2000
September 19, 2000 Calcet and Citracal Caplets +D, manufactured by Mission Pharmacal Co., have been reformulated and are no longer certified kosher.  Existing products bearing the OU symbol is certified. Citracal and Citracal Liquitab remain OU certified.
More OU Kosher Information