Infestation in various pasta products,

The following insect infestation alert is from the COR on December 24, 2010.

Please be advised that we are receiving reports of insect infestation in various pasta products, some of which were manufactured in the past 2 to 3 months. Insects can be small and black, approximately 2-3 mm in size. This situation is being monitored and is under review by COR.

At this time, we recommend that you check your pasta before cooking. An easy way to ascertain whether insects are present is to spread the product across a white paper plate and look for the signs of infestation. will be revised.

Minced v Ground fish-What's the difference? who cares?

Minced fish: meat consists of minced flesh removed from the fish carcasses by cuts made parallel to the backbone.
Ground fish: Consits of fish meat that was ground. Sometimes it's ground twice for a finer mix.
Surimi, Fish sticks, etc use "minced fish" not ground fish. Some fish have an issue with anisakis or other imbedded worms in the flesh,
Pollock is one of those that have kashrus concerns. Therefore if it's minced, you should refrain from using it.

STRAWBERRIES, may be used "only" after peeling them

Strawberries are an infested fruit. The thrips hide under the seeds, all of the washing & checking can minimize but not eliminate the insects.

Therefore the only method is to peel the entire outside of the Strawberry after removing the green stem.

RE: Frozen strawberries. There are at least 3  frozen strawberries with hashgochas. The cold facts are that frozen strawberries have minimized but not eliminated the infestation completly.

In Eretz Yisroel all of the reliable Hashgochas say that the frozen strawberries must be "pureed" and "cooked" prior to using them. All of the frozen strawberries with any hashgocha in the USA "must" also be pureed and cooked prior to use, including the ones with EIDAH's Hashgocha.

Edible Flowers, how badly are they infested?

Edible flowers come in beautiful shades of various colors and they are edible also. The kashrus issue is the "protein" contained in the flowers because of the high incident of insects, live ones as well. Therefore even if you don't eat them, they should not be on the plate because some of those insects are very much alive and they may enjoy your food on the plate.

The "Mother" of Lakewood's problems

http://thelakewoodview.com/voice/reader-submitted-the-mother-of-lakewoods-problems/comment-page-1/#comment-6427


http://yudelstake.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-is-chutzpah.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0ugCXra2qw

Lasagna infestation dilema

Heimish pasta has often been infested for a few reasons. Some of the the Heimish  companies produce annually or bi-annualy.  Some of them therefore do not put on date codes. Some of them have very poor humid hot storage facilities. Either the insects are found before cooking or while cooking. Lasagna presents a unique problem, as its cooked with the sauce & added product, one can't see the infestation.

Others have opted therefore to purchase only "dated" relatively fresh product not necessarily the heimish brands but with a reliable hashgocha nonetheless. It's advised if you have a questionable lasagna product, to partially par boil first and check the water for infestation.

Are you eating insects unknowingly?

You May Be Eating More Insects Than You Think
Food makers may not want to dwell on it, but the ingredient that gives Dannon Boysenberry yogurt and Tropicana Ruby Red Grapefruit juice (certified kosher by the OK) their distinctive colors comes from crushed female cochineal beetles.
Pressed by consumer advocates, the FDA is expected to publish a food-labeling proposal online today that would require companies to disclose when a food contains beetle-derived colorings including vivid-red "carmine" and bright-orange "cochineal". And the public has 60 days to comment before a final ruling is made.Under current FDA regulations, food labels must identify certain man-made colorings by name.

But for carmine, cochineal and other naturally occurring ingredients, companies can use terms such as "color added" or, oddly, "artificial color." Bugged by the loophole, Vegetarians, who don’t want to eat insects, and consumers observing kosher dietary practices. Products containing carmine "may look like kosher," but they aren’t, says a Rabbi, "There are a lot of people who will not be happy to know that they are eating products that contain dried beetle."
See the following link: http://www.cspinet.org/new/carmine_8_24_98.htm

Oranges & Tangerines are coated with "LAC" (non-kosher), and scale.

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Oranges & Tangerines may be coated with Lac resin (an extract from insects). we have seen it printed on the bags at Shop-Rite. If one intends to use orange rind, the Lac resin would be a concern. Another concern would be that at times on citrus fruits there are tiny inbedded insects or larvae known as "scale".

Kosher Chinese Express- ??????????? Is it kosher for you?

There is a Chinese take out on Route 9 south near Lakewood. We used to give the Hashgocha there together with the OK Labs (we brought in this account to the OK). The refrigerators & gas lines were locked and sealed by the full time mashgiach.

We caught them bringing in unauthorized items. They brought them into the store in various dubious methods. Therefore we were forced to take away the keys from the owners from the outside doors as well.  

They constantly tried using unchecked infested vegetables. They were very uncooperative with the Mashgichim. The OK decided to allow the Chinese owners to have the keys to the outside doors, even though they were caught numerous times smuggling in unauthorized items. At that point I pulled my hashgocha. All of the ones that were concerned about kashrus stopped patronizing the chines store.

Ensuring Food Safety and Kashrus Protection Through Supply Chain "TRACEABILITY"

Executive Summary

To ensure the safety of the domestic and global food supply, demands for brand protection assurance are on the rise from customers and the food industry marketplace itself, along with increasing national and global food safety initiatives. To address these growing requirements, food processors and distribution warehouses up and down the supply chain now find automated traceability systems are a virtual necessity. For many food processors, the current challenge is to identify an automated approach to traceability that is both cost-effective and a good fit for their current business operations.
http://www.pddnet.com/WhitePapersPortal/wpContent.aspx?id=100719&source=Food_WhitePaper_Blast

MEHADRIN (G&G) poultry issue

Mehadrin Poultry is packaging some of their cutlets, etc in a clear plastic bag with only a USDA plant number on the metal clip. The kosher Consumer is not ready to accept that arrangement.

Mehadrin Management informed us the new printed packaging is on fast track, should be there very shortly.

UPDATE: Worms in herring (jarred)? "2 Mumchim (fish experts) say it's not anisakis, nor a worm

United in Life Saving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoUWFdJPJMY&feature=player_embedded

Falsely claimed the OU certified its "tilapia" fish as kosher

The Orthodox Union is suing a Pennsylvania-based seafood-importing company, saying it falsely claimed the OU certified its tilapia fish as kosher, highlighting a common problem in the increasingly global kosher marketplace.

In a suit filed in federal court in Manhattan this month, the Orthodox Union, a Manhattan not-for-profit with a kosher division, sued Western Edge Inc. for trademark infringement and deceptive trade practice, alleging the unauthorized use of its registered certification mark. The suit alleges that Western Edge produced a fraudulent letter when asked by a Brooklyn food company about the kosher status of its tilapia fillets.

Matzo baking in India?

http://www.indianfoodrecipe.co.in/video_view.php?query=35754

This is the answer?

ששאלתם שקמו אנשים שמשתדלים להיות השלוח' דרבנן בעניני הציבור וכו''

שולחן ערוך חושן משפט, סימן ג' סעיף ד

רמ"א וז"ל -להושיב דינים ושופטים מי שירצה ומכל מקום מי שעושה זה בלא רשות הקהל (י"ג) מצער הציבור ועתיד ליתן את הדין תשובת רשב"א

אורים ותומים (י"ג) מצער הציבור. הוא לשון ריב"ש בתשובה, והרמ"א העתיקו ,ותמהני שלא העתיק שהוא חרם רבינו תם ורשב"ם וראב"ן וק"ן רבנים והוא בתשובת מהר"ם דפוס פראג בסופו (קנט-ב') וז"ל, ועוד גזרנו ונידינו וחרמנו בשמתא ובשם מיתה שלא יהיה אדם רשאי ליטול שררה על הציבור לא ע"י מלך וכו 'כי לענוש וכו 'אם לא שימנו אותם רוב הקהל מפני חשיבותם , והעובר על זה וכו' פתו פת כותי וכו' 'ושו נפשו ינוח ברכות על ראשו, עכ"ל.

A good laugh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geYurdqTGak&feature=player_embedded

Ridvaz-Kashrus in America-a repeat performance

http://www.elmorahillsminyan.org/Home/gedolim/american-gedolim/kashrus

A Fascinating Historical Feature Highlighting the Formidable Hurdles, Particularly in Kashrus, Faced by American Jewry at the Beginning of the Last Century

A parent is the ultimate decider which School is for his child? Yes!

http://thelakewoodview.com/voice/harav-shteinman-on-school-rejection-gaavagaavagaavavideo/

Can you eat in the local establishments?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-SnFCwyLlI

THE SELF- CERTIFICATION SCANDAL

THE SELF- CERTIFICATION SCANDAL By: L. Mizrahi

A pained voice at the other end of the phone line asked to meet in private. The head of the respected oversight organization agreed and arranged a time and place. At the rendezvous, the caller produced the shocking evidence – documentation that proved the existence of a scandalous conspiracy affecting the Jewish community.

What are we "chopped liver"? re: Kashrus in America

Why do we have to accept Uruguay beef that the Eidah in Eretz Yisroel wouldn't accept due to serious kashrus issues?

Why do we have to accept prechecked Brocolli & Cauliflower that the Eidah in Eretz yisroel wouldn't accept due to the level of comfort of infestation?

Why do we have to accept a Nikur that was the minhagim of the areas of Satmar, Puppa, Pest, Tzeilim?- when we should have a nikur that encompasses all of the minhagim of the kosher consumers including Minhagei Eretz Yisroel.

Liebers Soup, is it kosher?

From an Email received.

"I talked to R' weissmendel and he said its not a problem
but theres no simonim on the inside. You can easily switch the inside product also its all in spanish. please check it out"

Not - reccommended!

http://www.kashrut.com/Alerts/

When are School Speed limits in "EFFECT"?

School reduced speed limits are strictly for the times that children are present & seen within 200 feet of the school. That would be during recess and during dismissal or start of school. The times are not the deciding factor-It's the presence of children that are the deciding factor.

327 N.J.Super. 334, 743 A.2d 357 -Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. STATE of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Respondent, V John P. GREEN, Defendant-Appellant. Submitted Jan. 3, 2000. Decided Jan. 19, 2000.


Defendant was convicted in the Municipal Court of speeding in school zone. On de novo appeal, defendant was convicted in the Superior Court, Law Division, Hunterdon County, of speeding. Defendant appealed. The Superior Court, Appellate Division, Conley, J.A.D., held that evidence was insufficient to support conviction. Reversed and remanded.

No shabbos Cameras! Shuls, Yeshivas, have cameras? Check it out.

A few years ago, the Yerushalayim municipality installed a number of security cameras throughout the Old City. It was a time when there was a rash of stabbings and stabbing attempts in the Old City, and the cameras were aimed at helping catch the perps and also discouraging crime in the future, as perps will know they can more easily be apprehended.The issue was raised that perhaps the cameras operating on Shabbos would be a problem for those walking through the Old City on Shabbos to go to the Kosel.

Who is the ultimate decider that it's acceptably kosher?

You!, You are making  the ultimate decision that it meets your kashrus standard, when you put it in your mouth,

Gefen Barley infested

Some Gefen Barley was found to be infested. Barley- prior to use, must be soaked in hot water (hot tap water) for 3-4 minutes, stirred a few times, then inspect the water for insects. Cold water will not dislodge them. This is for all year round. 

Beef prices are on a steady climb up

Herring is on the way out, Herring salad is on the way in.

In Eretz Yisroel and many in the USA as well don't consume herring anymore due to the anisakis worm.

Chopped / ground herring salad does not have the issues.

Some are developing some very interesting herring salads.

Non-Checked produce being put into packaging with Hashgochas

נתפס כשחברתו אורזת עלי ירק לא מפוקחים בתוך שקיות הנושאות ציוני כשרות מהודרים והרבנות המקומית

עלי ירק המוצגת כמפוקחת (גם אם היא נושאת מותגי כשרות ידועים) ממשווק זה עד להודעה חדשה. נא ליידע את המשגיחים בהתאם  גוש חי"ה המעידים על ירק ללא תולעים ובכך נגרמה הכשלה חמורה לציבור. הואיל ואירוע זה אינו הראשון אצל משווק זה הוחלט כי אין לקלוט כל תוצרת של הרבנות הראשית לישראל

THE CHIEF RABBINATE OF ISRAEL

היחידה הארצית לאכיפת חוק איסור הונאה בכשרות

ALL TRUMP (General Mills) is heavily infested at this time

ALL TRUMP (General Mills) is heavily infested at this time.


New Square Kashrus Council-Rabbi C. M. Wagshal, Rabbinic Administrator

No labels- No Democrats, No republicans- Just what's good for America

http://nolabels.org/

Bdatz Beit Yosef-Thumbs down, again

http://www.jerusalemkoshernews.com/2010/12/thumbs-down-to-badatz-beit-yosef-2/

RONZONI elbows infested

The following information regarding insect infestation is from the hakhel.info with additional information from the OU and posted on December 7, 2010.

Hakhel.info reported insect infestation has been found in boxes of Ronzoni Elbows. People who keep yoshon and others should be aware that improper storage conditions may be a factor in insect infestation.

Kosher clashTeaneck restaurant at center of OK, RCBC dispute

Quoted fom the OK's current magazine:
In reality, here in the U.S. and in Europe, every time a company fails to comply with a kashrus protocol from an individual kashrus agency there is always a second-rate agency waiting to give them a hechsher. This has happened endless times here at the OK, If the same company chooses even less compliance ... an even more liberal hechsher will take over the certification and the standards of kashrus are lowered once again. [That's where the OK fits in]

Kosher clashTeaneck restaurant at center of OK, RCBC dispute

A kosher restaurant can be made or broken on the quality of its certification. In Teaneck, Ima Restaurant, open for less than a year, has become embroiled in a feud between the local rabbinical board and a national kashrut agency, each accusing the other of impropriety.

The safety of crosswalks or their falacy?

The traffic calming handbook warns that excess stop signs increase speed and accidents. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices warns that excess traffic signals are dangerous and counterproductive.

A Federal Highway Administration study found that painting crosswalks on busy, four lane urban streets with traffic faster than 35 mph increased pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrians who used those crosswalks were more likely to get badly hurt than pedestrians who crossed similar streets without crosswalks.


A recurring theme is the danger making people feel safer than they really are.

Another fish story.

Sarimi, imitation crab, etc is made from minced not ground Pollock fish.

Fish sticks are also made from Minced pollock fish.

Frozen or fresh Pollock fish. Check the package, don't assume that if there is a kosher symbol it's all right.

POLLOCK fish has the anisakis worm, therefore the above should not be used.

All fish coming from China should have at least a "skin-tab", not completly skinless.

Sardines should only used if it was checked for infestation (at least a reliable sample) and that there was a crew of mashgichim at the production. Lately there has been found "krill, crutaceans" in sardine cans. Many of the companies may make a broth for the sardines, then strain it. That broth is likely Ossur. 

Shlomy's Lakewood butcher?????????????

Shloymy's butcher in Lakewood was always geared to the Hamoin-am, not yeshiva leit standards. Price is and was always the kashrus standard.

The TEVYA'S BEEF (fiddler on the roof) was never a recommended kashrus standard, regardless of the Hashgocha (or in spite of it).

Tevya's is a Rubashkin beef, a concern. Tevya's is certified by Rav M.M. Weismandel, another concern. Don't believe their ads or assurances regarding the "kreisim treif issues".

What are "tooki's" doing in kashrus?

A "tooki"  repeats what ever is said with absolutely no understanding, knowledge, comprehending the issue or the statement. At times you may even be fooled that they understand something about the subject.

A "tooki" remains a "tooki".

We find too many "tooki"s in kashrus, keeping the machine of kashrus certification well oiled, to the detriment of the kosher consumer.

Kellogg's cold cereals.

Kellogg's cold cereals are manufactured in the USA & Canada among other countries. It's currently under the Vaad Hakasrus of Massachusetts  certification. Some of the cereals contain dairy ingredients which is of course Cholov Akum.

Many have questioned over the years the comfort level of the kashrus supervising agency. Dairy ingredients may have an issue of cross contamination. The cooking of the product adds the issue of the utensils and the steam or hot water used, as does have the "blious" of Dairy and other ingredients.

There are some special productions done in Canada under the COR of Canada, they are "special" productions not just an added sticker type of production.

Perhaps there would be an acceptable level of kashrus comfort, if Kellogg's would obtain a ddifferent reliable kosher certifier.

Kings Highway Glatt

The Vaad of flatbush has been certifying the establishment for the past 20 years +-. Kehila Kashrus has been certifying the establishment as of late, 10 + years. The Vaad of Flatbush claims there were kashrus issues that were reported by the Mashgiach to Kehila and not to the Vaad. The Vaad's rep was in the premises on a weekly basis, the Mashgiach did not make him aware of any issues.

The Vaad, Kehila & the owner had a few meetings to resolve all of the issues and to institute certain changes including the abusive atitude the Mashfgiach had to put up with according to the Vaad. At The Meetings,

Central Rabbinical Congress's (formerly, Hisachdus) kashrus standards are the same as the OK

We are sure we don't have to educate anyone to the OK standards. In the OK's Kislev 5771 "chanukah", there is a letter from Rabbi Benyumin Aryeh Glick Executive Rabbinic Coordinator of the CRC to the OK magazine Kosher spirit. In the letter he praises the OK's kashrus standards, which he calls "perfect". He also addresses that other hechsherim (Hechsherim are the heimish hashgochas, not kosher certifiers) can not or will not meet the OK's standards.

He also praises the Ok's stand on the story of the adulterated Shufra Pesach cocoa saga.

RICOLA candies-should obtain a reliable kosher certification! (& eliminate glycerin, if any)

Ricola candies used to be made alledgedly with some non kosher ingredients, They needed the lard so the candies don't stick to the machine. Ricola candies sometimes has a kosher certifier Hashgocha albeit not a very reliable one, and sometimes no Hashgocha at all.

The big question remains, when they don't have the hashgocha, is it because they are alledegedly using lard among other ingredients? If that's the case, should someone think of using the Ricola when a hashgocha appears on the package?

I heard that some other Rabonim are looking over his back re: Ricola - We are very impressed.  What's that called russian roulette?

If the kosher consumer wouldn't buy them, the stores wouldn't sell them, or should it be the other way around-The stores shouldn't sell them.

Some stores have stopped selling them.

It's about time that Ricola should obtain a proper reliable kosher certification.

Modern Day Misyavnim? or protecting Lakewood Yungerleit and taxpayers?

From a commentor: Time December 2, 2010 at 9:19 AM

Be aware that the reason the New Jersey Attorney General has not pursued the coruption of the Lakewood Township in this case is, because Ms Paula Dow is the NJ Attorney General.

listen to this, read the rest, read more.

http://www.bhol.co.il/Article.aspx?id=22071