Atlanta Kashruth Commission News and Alerts

From the Atlanta Kashruth Commission (AKC): The AKC usually gives Pre-Pesach classes covering halachos (laws) as well as product information. If your synagogue or group is interested in setting up a class, please have them call the AKC office as soon as possible, as we have a limited number of dates available. The Atlanta Kashruth Commission sponsored a shiur by Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel of RIETS, Yeshiva University and OU Kosher Authority and Senior Halachic Consultant on the kashrus topic of checking vegetables for insects and working in a kosher and non-kosher environment. The shiur was recorded and can be found at www.atlantakollel.org, Audio, Guest Speakers, Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Kashrus Shiur. Schakolad Chocolate Factory is now fully certified under the Atlanta Kashruth Commission EXCEPT for two items: a. Jamaica Rum Truffle b. Chocolate Covered Strawberries. All items from the factory are kosher and dairy. There are occasional pareve production runs and those items have a pareve label. Israeli Kosher Restaurant and Grill has closed (4639 D North Shallowford Road, Atlanta, GA 30338). OU For You and Bakery is planning on becoming fully cholov yisroel. Check the store for details. 1155 Hammond Drive, Sandy Springs, GA, 30328, 770-396-5533. Israeli Kosher Restaurant has closed. 4639D North Shallowford Road, Atlanta, GA. There is now a non-kosher restaurant in this location. Dum Dum lollipops from Spangler Corporation with a "K" or OU on them are acceptable. Chewy Dum Dums from Brazil are not kosher. New 7Up Regular and Cherry with anti-oxidants are acceptable.

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Recall: Cut-and-Bagged Potato Products

Northern Star Co. initiates voluntary recall of retail potato products No Foodservice Potato Products are Affected Northern Star Co. initiated a voluntary product recall of certain retail cut-and-bagged potato products. The recall is being initiated due to laboratory testing that showed a package of Simply Potatoes Southwest Style Hash Browns to contain Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The affected products include the following items, with “use by” dates on the package of March 29, 2009 to April 3, 2009: Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns - 20 oz. bag UPC code 20169-22233 Simply Potatoes Southwest Style Hash Browns - 20 oz. bag UPC code 20169-22236 Simply Potatoes Homestyle Slices - 20 oz. bag UPC code 20169-22237 Simply Potatoes Red Potato Wedges - 20 oz. bag UPC code 20169-22238 Diners Choice Shredded Hash Browns - 2 lb. bag UPC code 20169-22223 Farm Fresh Shredded Hash Browns - 16 oz. bag UPC code 20169-22533 There have been no illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Northern Star Co. potato products are considered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a “not ready to eat” product, meaning that consumers must cook them properly to ensure they are safe to eat. Proper cooking of these products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for two minutes kills Listeria bacteria. However, consumers may return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund or replacement. This recall affects only retail products, not Northern Star Co. foodservice products. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially serious disease marked by fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis, but it can cause fatal infections in high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. Consumer inquiries can be directed to Northern Star Co.’s consumer hotline at 1-800-228-8105.

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Recall: 5-ounce Genova Solid Light Tuna in Olive Oil

Tri-Union Seafoods LLC is issuing a precautionary recall of the 5-ounce variety of Genova solid light tuna in olive oil. Due to a production error, the product is mislabeled and contains albacore tuna in soybean oil with vegetable broth that contains soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soybean run the risk of serious allergic reaction if they consume these products. There have been no reported illnesses, and Tri-Union Seafoods is issuing the precautionary recall to protect public health. Tri-Union Seafoods’ trace-back measures determined distribution of the product at retail was limited to 900 cases – the vast majority of which were distributed to the Northeast (two cases were distributed to Publix stores in the Southeast). The 5-ounce variety of Genova solid light tuna in olive oil was distributed in January and February. Consumers who purchased the 5-ounce variety of Genova solid light tuna in olive oil with the UPC code 4800013265, “Best By Date 10/17/12” and product code DEHAH 1A225 or DEHBH 1A225 are asked to return it to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. The UPC code (also known as bar code) is found on the side of the can and the best by date and product code are ink jet printed on the bottom of the can. “We have notified all of our customers who have received the mislabeled product and asked them to remove it from their shelves,” said Shue Wing Chan, president, Tri-Union Seafoods. “This precautionary recall is the right and prudent action in the interest of protecting public health. Further, we are taking corrective steps to our production process to ensure this error does not repeat itself.” Product is kosher certified by the Orthodox Union. For additional information, please call 1-877-843-6376.

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Recall: Arrowhead Mills® Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour (2 lbs.)

Arrowhead Mills, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls One Lot Of Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour Because Of The Possible Presence Of An Undeclared Allergen Arrowhead Mills, Inc. announced that it is taking the precautionary measure of recalling Arrowhead Mills® Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour (2 lbs.) with a lot code of 06OCT09 because of the possibility of the presence of an undeclared dairy allergen in a limited number of bags within this lot. The lot code is located on the right side of the upper front panel of the individual bag of flour. No other lot codes of this product or any other Arrowhead Mills products are affected in any way and there have been no reported illnesses. Consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk protein run the potential risk of a health problem or illness if they consume this product. The recalled product was distributed to natural food stores nationwide. Arrowhead Mills is working with distributors to actively recover any affected product remaining on store shelves. Arrowhead Mills® Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour (2 lbs.) Unit UPC code # 74333-47242 Lot code: 06OCT09 OK Pareve Consumers who have purchased any products covered by this recall are urged to return them to the store of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall may call the company at 1-800-749-0730, Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm Mountain Time.

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Shemita Produce and Wine Alerts

From the Va'ad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle: Israeli wines produced in 2008 during the Shmita year have appeared in the Seattle area. While it is generally recommended to avoid these wines (as well as all Shmita produce), for those who may have already purchased the wine we offer the following guidelines if you choose to use the wine: 1. The label must state "Otzer Beis Din" which will probably be written in Hebrew. 2. The wine may only be drunk. It cannot be used for another purpose. 3. Shmita wines must be totally consumed by people. The wine cannot be wasted or poured out. 4. Shmita wine should not be used for Havdala, as one cannot put out the candle in the wine. 5. The wine can be consumed in kiddush or with a meal, but must be totally consumed - none can be wasted. 6. Shmita wine must be finished before Pesach 5769 (coming up in April 2009). If you have further questions about drinking Shmita wine, please contact your Rabbi. Also from the Seattle Vaad, Maggie Moo's on Mercer Island has closed and Nosh Away's Passover menu is available here. From the Union of Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa (UOS): Fruit imported from Israel (avocados, mineolas and possibly others) are now available in South Africa. These fruits are produce of the previous year (5768) which was a shmitta year, and are therefore classified as having kedushat shvi’it (sanctity of the seventh year). The following rules apply to fruits and vegetables having kedushat shvi’it: · Fruit normally eaten by humans should not be given to animals. · Vegetables, such as potatoes, which are normally cooked, may not be eaten raw. · Fruits and vegetables normally eaten raw should not be cooked. · Fruits and vegetables that are eaten both raw and cooked can be eaten either way. · Juice may only be extracted from such fruits or vegetables where this is normally done, e.g., oranges and apples. It is not permissible to extract juice from, for example, bananas. · Leftovers, peels and husks which are normally eaten or have remnants of food attached, must be wrapped first, and then disposed of in the normal manner. · If a food with kedushat shvi’it is cooked with other food, all the food must be regarded as having kedushat shvi’it. Purchasing such fruits with cash poses a halachic difficulty which is beyond the scope of this notice to elaborate on. Therefore, one may either purchase them with a cheque or credit card, or if one wishes to use cash, then other non shmitta items (not necessarily fruits) should be included in the purchase. Also from the UOS, some KOO products (sweetcorn, peas, beans etc) are imported and do not bear the Beth Din logo. Only cans bearing the Beth Din logo are approved. Please check all labels carefully. From the Montreal Vaad Hair (MK): It has come to our attention that peppers originating from Israel are being sold in the Montreal area. Please consult your Rabbi prior to using. More Shemita Information: Star-K: www.star-k.org/kashrus/kk-shmitta-5768.htm London Beth Din Kashruth Division (KLBD): www.kosher.org.uk/shemittaalert.htm

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Orthodox Union (OU) Unauthorized Products

From the Orthodox Union (OU): Bubblegum Ice Cream Brands: Dreyer's Edy's Products: Bubblegum Ice Cream, 3 gallon tub Company: Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream/Edy's Issue: These products bear an unauthorized OU symbol and are not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Consumers spotting these products are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org kashalerts@ou.org. Vitality Frozen Grape Cocktail Brands: Vitality ChoicePak Products: Frozen Concentrated Grape Cocktail Lot # 01/11 027C Lot # 02/11 036C Lot # 12/10 366C Company: Distributed by Vitality Foodservice Inc. - Tampa, FL Issue: Individual products are labeled correctly and do not bear the OU symbol. The outside box bears an unauthorized OU symbol. Corrective action is being taken. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org kashalerts@ou.org.

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Grocery Sale at Amazon.com - Great Deals!

Amazon.com Grocery Sale: Extra 40% Off! Use Coupon Code: FBCLEVNT. Valid through March 6, 2009. Plus, Get Free Shipping with purchase of $25 or more! Sales and Special Offers: Save $25 off $75 or more on eligible Unilever products, including Slim-Fast, Lipton, and more. Use the following promotional code when you check out: FEB9UNIL. Offer valid through February 28, 2009. Save up to 45% on Pacific Foods - Save 30% today when you buy any eligible Pacific Foods soups. Plus, save an additional 15% when you combine instant rebate with Subscribe & Save. Save up to 30% on Kellogg's and Keebler - Save 15% today when you buy any eligible product. Plus, save an additional 15% when you combine instant rebate with Subscribe & Save. Gourmet Foods - Gourmet gift baskets, smoked salmon, cheeses, spices and much more. Klein's Dried Fruits and Nutsup to 40% off! Wissotzky Magic Tea Chest, Assorted Tea Collection w/ 80 Assorted Teas - 56% off! Manischewitz 72-Pack Shabbat Candles (Pack of 8)only $44.07! 25% Off La Briute Meals - Use the following promotional code when you check out: LABRUIT4. Offer valid through February 28, 2009. *Best deal: La Briute Vegetarian Pepper Steak with Vegetables in Gravy, 14-Ounce Meal (Pack of 6) ONLY $39.81 + Free Shipping!! Save $23.25 on a pack of 6! Hurry, items going fast!

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Recall UK: Rakusen’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rakusen’s Ltd recalls Chocolate Chip Cookies making 'dairy free' claim due to the presence of undeclared milk. It has been found that ONE batch of the above product fails to meet our usual high standard of product quality. This product contains milk protein which is not declared on the packaging. Only packs with the best before date and batch number listed below are affected. Best Before End: DEC 09 CODE: 8345 The contamination is accidental due to cross contamination and is present at a very low level (2 parts per million). NO OTHER RAKUSEN’S PRODUCTS ARE AFFECTED What to do: If you have purchased a pack of Rakusen’s Chocolate Chip Cookies from the affected batch please return it to the retail outlet where you purchased them from or return it back to the address on the pack for a full refund. We apologise for any inconvenience and would like to thank all our customers in advance for their understanding and co-operation.

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3rd Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience

Enjoy new wines from around the world and exciting new cuisine. Some of the new offerings include the Limited GENERATION VIII series produced at Herzog Wine Cellars, as well as the premier of two new Cabernets from the heralded vineyards of To Kalon and Haystack Peak. Other new wines and vintages from around the world will also be available. This year our special guest is Mr. Daniel Rogov, Israel's renowned wine critic. Mr. Rogov will be available for a book signing of his latest 2009 edition of Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines. Hurry to take advantage of this complimentary offer: 2009 Daniel Rogov's Guide to Israeli Wines to all those who purchase tickets by February 15, 2009. • Tickets are $100 each • 2 or more for $87.50 each Tickets are available by phone at 888-710-2439 or online here

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Various Kosher Alerts

From the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of British Columbia (BCK): NATURAL SOURCE Brand VITAMIN C tablets manufactured by Vita Health in Canada are currently being sold in Israel bearing an unauthorized BCK symbol. This product contains non kosher ingredients. Consumers finding this product are asked to contact BC Kosher at (604) 731-1803 or by email info@bckosher.org. From the Kashruth Council of Toronto (COR): The following 2 establishments have closed and are, therefore, no longer under COR supervision: Gladstone's Bar & Grill and Yossi's Fine Foods/Classic From the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA): GOYA produces its beans in two plants, only one of which is certified kosher. Please check each can to ensure that it has the OU. From the The Vaad Hakashrus Of Miami-Dade (KM): Lenny's Place has recently been added to the list of establishments certified by Kosher Miami, The Vaad HaKashrus of Miami-Dade. Lenny's Place is a Cholov Yisroel restaurant located at 1688 NE 164rd Street in North Miami Beach, serving breakfast, lunch, pizza, pasta and more. The pizza is pas Yisroel and yoshon. The telephone number is 305-948-0180. From the Kof-K: Bigelow Pomegranate Pizzazz Tea is not currently certified as kosher by the Kof-K and does not bear a kosher symbol on the package. This should not be confused with Bigelow Green Tea with Pomegranate, which bears the Kof-K and is indeed certified kosher. Bigelow also produces flavored teas which contain dairy (chalav stam) ingredients, as well as products that are not certified kosher at all, due to the flavors that are used. Be sure to check the label to assure the kashrut status of the product. From Cleveland Kosher: Empire Bagel Shop in Cleveland is now called Bagel Shoppe and has moved to 1982 Warrensville Center Road, South Euclid, OH. The phone number is the same. It is still Yoshon under the hashgocho of Cleveland Kosher. From the London Beth Din Kashruth Division (KLBD): Cauldron Original Tofu and Cauldron Beech Smoked Organic Tofu are now certifed KLBD Parev. Green & Black's Organic After Dinner Mint Chocolate Leaves are not kosher. Campari Liqueur, previously not kosher, has been reformulated and is now approved kosher Parev. Cadbury Heroes - now containing Dairy Milk Chunk, Dairy Milk Caramel, Creme Egg Twisted, Eclair, Fudge, Bournville Chunk and Twirl - are still approved kosher Dairy. Please note that Heroes Creme Egg Twisted has a different formulation to regular Creme Egg Twisted Bars, which are Not Kosher. THE REALLY JEWISH FOOD GUIDE 2009 is now available from kosher stores, Jewish bookshops, schools, nurseries, chedarim and shuls in London and the Provinces. Fully updated with over 7500 products. Greatly expanded and improved Medicines section. From the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of Greater Boston (ORC Boston): The Orthodox Rabbinical Council of Greater Boston has removed the kashrus certification from The Milk Street Cafe, 50 Milk St., Boston, MA. 02109. *Note: Rabbi Gershon C. Gewirtz, Rav of Young Israel of Brookline, is voluntarily providing kosher supervision on a interim basis while opportunities for permanent hashgacha are being explored. From the Star-K: Umami Bistro Kosher Chinese Restaurant is now under Star-K supervision, located at the Club Center, 1500 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville, MD. Star-K raisin policy: The following brands of raisins should be avoided: Mishpacha and Gefen. National brands and supermarket brands, such as Shoprite, may be used after visual inspection. All baked, cooked and cereal products may be used. A small production of Giant Eagle and HEB brand Honey Sesame Cashews were labeled with a Star-K instead of a Star-D. Corrective measures have been taken. New labels correctly bear the Star-D. The product is dairy, non-Cholov Yisroel.

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cRc Kosher Alerts

From the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc): Effective immediately, all open stock of Fannie May Chocolates are no longer under the certification of the cRc. This includes all of the loose products sold in their retail stores. Factory packed products bearing the cRc logo continue to be accepted by the cRc as dairy – Cholov Stam. The kosher food concession located at the University of Wisconsin at Madison is closed until further notice. The CRC has recently issued a Kashrus bulletin warning about infestation problems in raspberry products. After intensive research and checking of products under their supervision, they concluded that the following items must be recalled: U.S. Chocolate (commercial) Raspberry Cookie Filling, Raspberry Topping, Raspberry Seedless and Seeded Jam Nature's Finest Raspberry Jam The only exception is H.R. Ovenproof Jam. They added that from this point onward, all raspberry products under the CRC will be produced only with filtered raspberry juice instead of puree. cRc Raisin Policy Recently, someone discovered drosophila larvae in raisins and brought it to the attention of the kashrus world. These larvae are not visible when one visually inspects raisins, but can be seen in water that had been used to soak raisins. In the ensuing weeks, kashrus professionals from the cRc and other hashgachos have been investigating this claim, and the following are our findings: There are, in fact, a limited number of drosophila larvae in some boxes of raisins, but it is unclear whether they are common enough to raise a Halachik concern. Although the Torah forbids us from eating bugs, one is only required to inspect a vegetable if there is a reasonable concern that it might be infested. It is unclear whether the infestation level found in raisins exceeds this threshold, which is halachically referred to as miut hamatzui. [Although there was a high infestation levels first reported in raisins, it has since been found to be a much lower number]. Furthermore, it is unclear whether bugs which are as difficult to find and identify as drosophila larvae, are in fact included in the class of forbidden bugs. USDA personnel have confirmed that drosophila larvae hatch after the grapes/raisins are detached from the ground, and do not leave the raisin where they were hatched until after they have left the larvae stage. In cases such as this – where the bug hatched on a fruit which isn’t attached to the ground and the bug never left that fruit – all Halachik authorities agree that one may consume the bug (see Shulchan Aruch YD 84:4). At first, one expert suggested that drosophila larvae may hatch while the grape is attached to the ground, which caused hesitation amongst the Kashrus professionals, but after conferring with her colleagues and clarifying which bug we were referring to, she retracted her statement. In truth, even if there was a possibility that the larvae hatched while the grapes were attached to the ground, there would be basis for permitting the raisins based on Taz YD 84:12. We therefore conclude that the recent report of bug infestation of raisins does not concern kosher consumers, and raisins may be eaten. [Of course, raisins showing visible signs of infestation by bugs other than the ones discussed above should not be eaten until the bugs are removed]. The cRc will continue to monitor for any new developments. The Bubble Gum Ice Cream manufactured by Cedar Crest Ice Cream Company of Dubuque, Iowa, is no longer certified kosher, even when bearing the cRc logo. This product is distributed exclusively to food service establishments such as ice cream parlors, health care facilities and restaurants. A small production of Giant Eagle and HEB brand Honey Sesame Cashews were labeled with a Star-K instead of a Star-D. Corrective measures have been taken. New labels correctly bear the Star-D. The product is dairy, non-Cholov Yisroel.

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OU News and Alerts

From the Orthodox Union (OU) A newly redesigned feature to help the kosher consumer easily locate OU certified products has just made its debut on http://www.oukosher.org. With more than 400,000 products certified by the OU, the feature uses the OU’s technical wizardry to find just what the consumer is looking for, in categories ranging from acids and acidulants to wrapping materials and paper goods. The website is automatically updated daily to keep up with the OU’s newly certified products. 2009 Osem Meals-on-the-Go Brands: Osem Meals-on-the-Go Products: Creamy Pasta Chicken Flavour UPC#: 0-77544-15580-0 Company: Osem Issue: Traces of dairy ingredients have been found in this product and it is being withdrawn from the marketplace. The product is halachically pareve. Newly Certified France Brand: Centre Ouest Cereales Product(s): Crude Ouest Cereales, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- San Francisco, CA Brand: Crystal Geyser Product(s): Alpine Spring Water, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whitestone, NY Brand: Glaceau Product(s): Smartwater, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gerber, CA Brand: Haleakala Walnut Shelling Product(s): Haleakala Walnuts, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Corona, CA Brand: Hansen’s Product(s): Self Beauty Elixir-Blushing Berry, OU Self Beauty Elixir-Pink Lemonade, OU Self Beauty Elixir-Tropical Bliss, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- China Brand: Bigang, Songtian Product(s): Potato Starch, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- El Paso, TX Brand: Del Sol Product(s): Banana Pepper Rings, OU Chipotle Peppers, OU Diced Peeled Green Chilie Peppers, OU Diced Red Cherry Peppers In Brine, OU Dill Pickle Relish, OU Hot Cherry Peppers Whole, OU Mississippi Sports Peppers, OU Red Pepper Strips, OU Sliced Cherry Peppers, OU Sport Serrano Peppers, OU Sweet Cherry Peppers Sliced, OU Whole Banana, OU Whole Prickly Pear Leaves A/K/A Nopalitos, OU Whole Speered Green Chiles, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seacliff, NY Brand: Jellyfish Product(s): Honey & Orange Organic Green & White Tea, OU Lemon Tea Organic Green & White Tea. OU Spirulina Extract Organic Green Tea, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Netherlands Brand: Kemira Product(s): Sorbitan Tri-Stearate, OU Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Ester Of Mono & Diglycerides, OU Mono & Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids, OU Lactic Acid Ester Of Mono & Diglycerides, OU Sorbitan Mono Stearate, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Montreal, Canada Brand: Kosher Mehadrin Product(s): Raw Beef, OU-Glatt -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chicago, IL Brand: Koval Product(s): Elder Flower Liqueur, OU Pear Brandy, OU Potato Vodka, OU Rye Vodka, OU Young Ginger Liqueur, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bay Shore, NY Brand: R Energy Multi Vitamin Drink Product(s): R Energy Multi Vitamin Drink, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oklahoma City, OK Brand: Generic Product(s): Crude Degummed Canola Oil, OU Oil Cottonseed Prime Bleachable Summer Yellow, OU Super Degummed Canola Oil, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yuba City, CA Brand: Sacamento Valley Walnut Growers Product(s): California Walnuts, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opa-Locka, FL Brand: Gourme Mist, Totally Slim Gourme Mist Product(s): 100% Organic Conola Oil, OU extra virgin olive oil, OU -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OU KOSHER WEBCAST FOCUSES ON ISSUES OF KASHRUT IN THE WORKPLACE OU Kosher presented a webcast, “Kashrut in the Workplace,” featuring OU Senior Halachic Consultants Rabbi Yisroel Belsky and Rabbi Hershel Schachter. The event was moderated by Rabbi Eliyahu Safran, Senior Rabbinic Coordinator and Vice President of Communications and Marketing at OU Kosher. The webcast can be seen by visiting: http://www.ouradio.org/ouradio/channel/kashruth_in_the_workplace/ The webcast is part of OU Kosher’s continuing and ever-growing educational outreach to the community, which includes the “OU Kosher Coming to Schools and Communities” program, and the highly informative and entertaining Kosher Tidbits postings focusing on all aspects of kashrut, now numbering 125 on OU Radio. Rabbi Safran asked questions which had been sent in before and during the program. Rabbis Belsky and Schachter answered questions on common workplace issues such as heating kosher food in microwaves not exclusively used for kosher food in the office; participating at business meetings held at non-kosher restaurants and attending non-kosher office holiday parties; using the office coffee machine; issues of maarat ayin (appearance of doing something wrong), such as eating a kosher lunch among non-Jews who are eating non-kosher food at public cafeterias; and many other concerns including ethical and moral concerns in the workplace. AS a bonus, an invaluable and insightful discussion of the current financial crisis can be heard at the end of the webcast. People with questions that were not addressed can send them to Rabbi Safran at safrane@ou.org or fax to 212-613-0775.

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Beth Din of Johannesburg Alerts

From the Union of Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa (UOS): The Barrio Milk Restaurant is open for business with a new look and brand new menu including fish dishes, a full sushi menu, pizzas and light lunch time meals. The restaurant is not Chalav Yisrael. (Chalav Yisrael Mozzarella cheese and milk are available on request, however, the normal non-Chalav Yisrael equipment and utensils are used). Not all flavours of Fruitime Supreme juices are Kosher! Please be very careful when purchasing these drinks that each bottle is a Kosher variety. If it carries the Beth Din logo it’s Kosher, Parev & Mehadrin. If it doesn’t, it may be totally unkosher. Be very vigilant – the grape juice (not Kosher) looks extremely similar to the cranberry & cherry flavour! “Cubbs Party Dip” has been produced without supervision and is not approved by the Beth Din. The Beth Din logo on the packaging is unauthorized. Appropriate action is being taken against the manufacturer. Some KOO products (sweetcorn, peas, beans etc) are imported and do not bear the Beth Din logo. Only cans bearing the Beth Din logo are approved. Please check all labels carefully. The following FRYS products, although kosher and parev, are not mehadrin: Chicken Burger, Chicken Nuggets, Veg Express Cottage Pie. All other Frys products which bear the Beth Din logo are kosher, parev and mehadrin. New Product: Woolworths Seasonal Vegetable Crisps [BD/P] YOSHON BULLETIN # 6 Please Note, with effect from Monday 12th January, Shirleys in Norwood is no longer using Yoshon flour. WHAT IS YOSHON? Yoshon literally means "old". The Torah (Vayikra 23:14) forbids partaking from the new crop of grain (known as Chadash) before the second day of Pesach. This restriction applies to 5 types of grain, i.e. wheat, barley, oats, rye and spelt. Although the origin of this prohibition is Biblical, there is an old dispute between the Halachic authorities whether this applies outside of Israel, and even in Israel whether it applies to the crops of a non-Jewish farmer. Many authorities rule that these restrictions do not apply outside of Israel, and consequently the Beth Din do not require our establishments and manufacturers to adhere to these stringencies. However, for those who wish to follow the more stringent opinion, we have compiled a list of products and sell-by dates which will assist in making observance of this mitzvah easier. The only way to avoid using any new-season products containing wheat, barley, oats or rye is by stockpiling enough of these products to last until Pesach. This sounds simple enough. But there's a problem. Often, before Pesach has arrived, something else arrives: infestation! Therefore, if you want to keep Yoshon, make sure to store flour etc in the freezer and other things in a cool, dry place. Also check carefully for infestation before use. What products are affected? Initially it's mainly wheat flour, pasta, wheat grains, and cereals containing wheat. Barley and oats become affected only later in the season. The Kashrut Division will issue regular bulletins updating information during the period when Chadash is a problem. We wish to thank Rabbi Yossi Salzer for his tireless efforts in researching and compiling this information.

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Update on Raisin Insect Infestation

From the Montreal Vaad Hair (MK): After further research regarding raisin infestation and ongoing discussions with leading experts in the field of kashrus, it has been decided that at the present time raisins may be used. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise the consumer regarding any changes. From the Kashruth Council of Toronto (COR): Over the last two weeks, there have been widespread reports of insect infestation in raisins. A few kashrus organizations in the USA have disallowed the usage and consumption of raisins in their certified products and for their constituents. The Kashruth Council COR has conducted its own research and subsequently consulted with its Poskim (Halachic Authorities). The Kashruth Council's decision is to continue to allow the usage and consumption of raisins without further checking for worms or other insects. This opinion concurs with the opinion of many kashrus organizations across Canada and the USA, including the Orthodox Union (OU). Please note that research into the matter is ongoing and further updates will be provided for any new developments. One should always be careful to store raisins in cool, dry and clean environments so as to avoid any potential infestation. For more information about raisins, please contact Rabbi Tsvi Heber at 416.635.9550 ext. 365. Matzav.com reports that the AKO (Association of Kashrus Organizations) held a meeting this week in Flatbush to discuss the recent alerts regarding insect infestation in raisins. The rabbonim came to the conclusion that more information is necessary, so the AKO will be sending mashgichim to the growing fields to find out more. However, most of the poskim involved say that in the meantime, raisins may be used without a problem. Visit Matzav.com for more information and pictures of the meeting.

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Alerts from OK Kosher Certification

From the OK: Dynamic Health Laboratories, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 is distributing ACTUMUS Black Cherry Concentrate with an unauthorized OK symbol. This product is not certified by OK Kosher Certification. Corrective measures are being taken. If you see this product on the market, please call us at 718-756-7500. Complete Nutrition, Franklyn Square, NY, is distributing AD-VITA ACIDOPHILUS in six flavors with an unauthorized OK symbol. These products are not certified by OK Kosher Certification. These products are being recalled. If you see these products on the market, please call us at 718-756-7500. Health Is Wealth products sold by Health Is Wealth, Inc., 217 Prosser Ave., Williamstown, NJ, 08094 are no longer certified by OK Kosher Certification. Health Is Wealth Moon Egg Roll (Veggie Dumpling) has been incorrectly labeled with the OK symbol. Corrective measures are being taken. If you see this product on the market, please call us at 718-756-7500. Nutralife products made by SAO Corp., 90-15 43rd Ave., Elmhurst, NY. 11373 are no longer certified by OK Kosher Certification. Any product with an expiration date later than 3/15/10 was not produced under OK Certification. Additionally, Nutralife Honey Cashews were incorrectly labeled OK parve and actually have a dairy ingredient.

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