Houston Kashruth Association

December 24, 2009
Kashruth Alert and Advisory from OU
** Kashruth Alert: Uniservis Unpickled Porcini Mushrooms **
This product bears an unauthorized OU. The Orthodox Union does not currently certify any Uniservis products. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

** Kashruth Advisory: My-T Fine Chocolate Pudding **
Brands: My-T Fine Pudding
Products: Chocolate Pudding
Company: Jel Sert Co., West Chicago, IL
Issue: This certified product is pareve even when listing “contains dairy” in the ingredient panel, as the product had been reformulated though the ingredient statement was not corrected.

December 13, 2009
Chanukah Announcement
Make the rest of your Chanukah easier. Nature Best has, under HKA Hasgacha, Nature Best shredded potatoes and onions or shredded potatoes. Must have Green HKA sticker attached. Will say Nature Best on one side of HKA logo and Shredded potatoes and onions on the other side.

Can’t find this item at your favorite store? Call 832-725-0114 and we can tell you where it can be found.

December 9, 2009
Kashruth Alert from OU
The Godiva Holiday catalog incorrectly identifies the following items as OU certified:
New Grand Celebration Basket on page 30 (#73412)
Godiva Ultimate Collection on Page 31 (#77315)

Consumers placing orders will be advised that the product is not kosher. Future catalogs will be corrected.

September 24, 2009
Kashruth alerts
Some packaging of Lifeway Peach Kefir does not have the cRc on the label. This was an error, and the product is indeed kosher dairy cholov stam.

Kashrut Fraud Prevention Division of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel would like to remind all tourists of the following when visiting food establishments under their certification:
*A photocopy of a kashrut certificate is invalid.
*The store name on the sign must match the name on kashrut certificate.
*The addresses on the kashrut certificate must match the store address.
*The certificate must be current, not expired.
*The local rabbinate certifying agency must be the rabbinate of that city, not from another city.
At times, stores without a kashrut certification will display certificates
pertaining to sealed items they sell, but that does not cover the store.
One is advised to make phone contact with the mashgiach whose name and number appear on the certificate to validate legitimacy. His document presents the actual facts from the Hebrew original but is not a literal translation.

Electrolux & Frigidaire freezers with Sabbath Mode features are not certified by Star-K. When purchasing new appliances a consumer may check the Star-K website www.star-k.org/cons-appl.htm or call the Star-K at 410-484-4110.

Royal Candy Company, Brooklyn, NY has been distributing Tootsie Roll midgies, vanilla caramels, and other soft candies with an unauthorized OK symbol. Only the hard candies are certified by the OK Kosher Certification. Corrective measures are being taken.

Philly Stix Swirl Stix, Philly’s Inc. bears a “DE” OU Pareve designation. The
product is actually pareve. The manufacturer included the “DE” OU designation because of concerns about dairy allergens which may be present in the plant. At this time, the OU does not have a “DE” designation.

Bravos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips, Wise Foods, Inc. Berwick, PA has been
reformulated from non-kosher to kosher, and will now bear an OU D symbol. Products without the OU D symbol are not kosher.

Whiting Fillets and Salmon Fillets sold under the brand name of Wholey Fish
are no longer under KOF-K Kosher Certification.

Ein Kerem Merlot Sira wine 2006 (barcode 7290003541430) states it is mehadrin min ha’mehadrin under the supervision of Rabbi Dov Lior Shlita and the OU USA, kosher for Passover. An inspection reveals this designation is fraudulent, and the wine does not have any kosher supervision. If you see this product being sold in the US, contact the OU at ironsd@ou.org.

Safeway stores in the U.S., including the Randalls Stores in the Houston
area, sell a full line of products under the “Eating Right Kids” brand,
including a line of flavored vitamin enhanced waters. The shrink over-wrap of the Fruit Punch flavor mistakenly bears an OU as this particular flavor is not kosher due to the grape juice content.

All other flavors of the flavored vitamin enhanced waters under the “Eating
Right Kids” brand are kosher when bearing an OU on the label.

September 23, 2009
Kashruth alerts
** Pareve pies at Kroger **
Pareve unbaked pies are available at Kroger Meyer Park. The pareve pies are baked in a dairy oven and may be baked with dairy products. They should therefore be considered as dairy. Check with the mashgicha Rosa Gomez, to get the CORRECT pies. Her hours at the store are Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm and Friday 8am-pm

** OU Alert: Back To Nature Blends **
Brands: Back To Nature
Products: Pacific Heights Blend, Bar Harbor Blend
Company: Back To Nature Foods Company Madison , WI
Issue: These two products labeled as OU contain chocolate made on dairy equipment. Labels are being changed to OU D.

** OU Alert: DeFranco’s Espresso Secrets **
Brands: DeFranco’s
Products: Espresso Secrets
Company: Chocolate Fantasies, Inc. Oak Brook, IL
Issue: Product Bears an unauthorized OU. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212.613.8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org

** OU Alert: Gummy Fish Candy **
Brands: Bazzini
Products: Assorted Swedish Fish
Company: A.L. Bazzini Co. – Bronx, NY
Issue: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org

** Alert from OK: Post Cereal **
The following alert was sent out by the OK September 10, 2009:
Please be advised that within the next four weeks Post Cereal has elected to discontinue with the Pas Yisroel status of all their cereals. All Pareve Post cereals that will be found on the shelves of stores and supermarkets for the next four weeks from the date of this notice (except Great Grains, Shredded Wheat and product of Canada, which are not Pas Yisroel) will have been produced under the Pas Yisroel program. OK KOSHER CERTIFICATION cannot accept responsibility of the Pas Yisroel status for any products purchased after this date.

April 3, 2009
Passover alerts
Real Lemon and Real Lime juice Brand concentrates are acceptable for Pesach with only the OU on the label. No Pesach certification is required. Please note that only unflavored dental floss is acceptable for Pesach.

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All EZ Spuds RAW products may be used for Pesach with the exception of their coleslaw which is a processed product.

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Please note that Pillar Rock canned salmon is accepted for Pesach use, even without the Pesach certification on the label. The salmon in pouches is not recommended for Pesach.

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Nestea brand instant tea, regular unflavored, and decaffeinated unflavored are accepted for Pesach even without the Pesach certification on the label

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All fresh packaged salads bearing the Star-K symbol are kosher for Pesach
without any additional Pesach symbol. Please note exception: Dole Very Veggie Salad Blend contains peas which are kitniyos and may not be used on Pesach.

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Note that Baby Carrots under the OU are fine to use for Pesach without special Pesach certification.

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Be aware that some matzos being sold in the Pesach sections of local
supermarkets stores are chometz and not kosher for Pesach. Consumers are always urged to check that boxes state “Passover Matzoh,” even if the matzoh is located in Pesach sections of stores. Non-Pesach matzos state “Chometz” and “Not For Passover” in small print on the box.

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Frozen fish that contain any ingredient other than fish (except for water and salt) require special Pesach certification. Fish that contains no ingredient other than fish (except for salt and water) does not require special Pesach certification. For example, Kirkland Frozen Salmon (from Costco) with an OU is acceptable for use on Pesach. Great Fish Company Frozen Whiting (bearing a Kof-K) are usable for Pesach without a Pesach hechsher.

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Some of the Evanger’s products may have “Brewers Dried Yeast” listed on the ingredient panel. These products should not be used on Pesach even when [incorrectly] bearing “Kosher for Passover” on the label)

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Dos Anclas Table Salt made by Alex Int’l Trading Corp mistakenly bears an OU-P symbol and is not certified kosher for Pesach. It is certified for year-round use only.

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Joyva products are normally under the supervision of the Kof-K during the
year. The Kof-K does not supervise any Joyva products for Pesach.

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Quinoa seed (i.e., not flour and not flakes) sold under the brand names of
Ancient Harvest and Trader Joe’s under the certification of Kosher Overseers is acceptable for Pesach without further checking (for those who use quinoa on Pesach). Consult your Rov about your own practice. However, quinoa from Arrowhead Mills (bearing the OK symbol) is produced at a facility containing chometz, including flour

April 2, 2009
Passover in Houston II
** Eat out on Chol Hamoed at Cafe at the J **
The Cafe at the J will be open Chol Hamoed. Meals will be served in the JCC board room. Mashgiach temidi, Pat Yisrael, Bishul Yisrael.
Sunday and Monday, 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday, 8 am – 2 pm

** Kosher for Passover **
The old saying goes, “Buyer Beware”. This is true with purchasing kosher foods year round, but especially during the Pesach season. Many non-kosher stores sell a very wide variety of foods including kosher, treif, chometz and foods that are Kosher L’Pesach.

Do not assume that when making a purchase at a non- kosher certified store that the products you are buying are free of chometz, or even kosher. Finding it in “the kosher aisle” is meaningless in these stores, as there is no guarantee that the store clerk did not place the product on the shelf in error. There is also no guarantee that another shopper did not place one of the items they intended to buy but changed their mind, in the kosher section after changing their mind.

Many packages look alike. Please inspect each individual item that you are purchasing for a reliable kosher and/or kosher L’Pesach certification.

April 1, 2009
Effective immediately Kroger’s in-store baked tortillas are not certified askosher. Existing product with the green scroll HKA sticker are fine.
Notification will be sent when the matter is resolved.

March 31, 2009
Passover Milk and OJ in Houston
Bordens will be bottling kosher for Passover milk and orange juice on April 1 and 2. The milk will be in stores over the weekend and will have expiration dates of April 16, 17 or 18. Make sure to look for the P-09 next to the expiration date.

This will apply to all white milk in all sizes. Bordens has many private label brands such as Poinsettia. The Passover certification also applies to them.

The orange juice will have an expiration date around May 6.

March 29, 2009
Passover in Houston
** Kosher Meat **
The following butchers have Kosher for Passover meats:
Kroger #313 Meyer Park
Randalls #1041 Meyer Park
Beldens

All raw meats and poultry are Kosher for Passover and do not require special Passover Certification.

** Houston Pecan **
Houston Pecan has a selection of nuts and dried fruits which are marked Kosher for Passover, with a green HKA sticker attached.

** Supermarkets **
Kroger #313 Deli will be kosher for Passover beginning with business March 29

Randalls # 1041 deli will be kosher for Passover beginning with business on April 5

** Caterers **
The following caterers are kosher for passover, only when picked up at the commissary or if sealed with an HKA kosher for Passover sticker.

Jenny Tavor
Martine Levine
Nosher

** Passover Milk **
As of this date, we do not have any information regarding the expiration dates for Bordens milk.

** Passover Coke & Diet Coke **
Passover Coke & Diet Coke are available in 2 liter bottles. The bottles have a distinctive yellow cap that says “Kasher L’Pesach (n Hebrew) and OUP.

** Kedem Grape Juice **
Kedem grape juice in 50.7 oz. bottles is not mevushal

** Rolaids and Tums **
The following Rolaids products from McNeil Consumer Healthcare are acceptable for Pesach:
Rolaids Extra Strength Fruit, Freshmint
Rolaids Regular Strength peppermint
Rolaids MultiSymptom Berry, Cool Mint

The following Tums products from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer are acceptable for Pesach:
Tums Regular, E-X, Ultra
Tums Smoothies Cocoa and Cream (Dairy)

The following Tums products contain Chametz and should not be used on Pesach:
Tums Kids
Tums Smoothies Assorted Fruit
Tums Smoothies Berry Fusion

March 26, 2009
Kashruth Alerts
** Kashruth Alert from OU: Smart Balance Omega Buttery Spread **
Brands: Smart Balance
Products: Omega Buttery Spread made with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Company: GFA
Issue: A limited amount of this certified product has been erroneously distributed with lids from the Light Omega Buttery Spread which bear an OU Pareve designation. While the Light variety is certified pareve, the regular Omega Buttery Spread contains dairy ingredients. Corrective action has been taken

** Kashruth Alert from CRC: Dr. Pepper **
Dr. Pepper is introducing a new flavor, Berry Bonkers. It is kosher and PAREVE.

** Kashruth Alert from OU: Dos Anclas Table Salt **
Brands: Dos Anclas
Products: Table Salt
Company: Alex Int’l Trading Corp – Siesta Key, Fl
Issue: This product mistakenly bears an OU-P symbol and is not certified Kosher for Passover. It is certified for year round use only.

** Kashruth Alert from OU: Lottie & Beck Cappuccino Drink Mixes **
Brands: Lottie & Beck
Products: Powdered Cappuccino Drink Mixes; Cappuccino, French Vanilla, Amaretto and Mocha flavors
Company: North American Tea & Coffee Inc. – Canada
Issue: These certified products contain dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.

** Kashruth Alert from OU: Skittles **
Products: Skittles Candy Fan
UPC# 6 09454 61492 6
Skittles Dry Erase Message Board
UPC# 6 09454 61501 5
Company: Candyrific- Louisville, KY
Issue: An unauthorized OU-D symbol was inadvertently placed on these products’ labels. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

February 16, 2009
Kashruth Alerts
** Kashrut Alert: Giant Eagle and HEB brand Honey Sesame Cashews **
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.

** Kashruth Alert from 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.

** Kashruth Alert from OU: 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.

February 3, 2009
Kashruth Advisories and Alerts
** OU Public Advisory regarding raisins **
The OU has long maintained that raisins packed and stored under normal industry conditions do not pose a halachic infestation concern and may be consumed without further checking on the part of the consumer. Recent public reporting of widespread infestation in packaged raisins has led the OU to reexamine its prior held position vis-a-vis raisins. Following careful investigation, extensive testing and consultation with our Halachic authorities, the OU upholds its original position that raisins, when stored under normal conditions (cool, dry and clean environments) do not require checking for the presence of worms or insects. Many food items, when packed or stored in warm, moist or unclean environments should be avoided until fully checked for the presence of insects, particularly when exhibiting telltale signs of infestation (webbing, insect feeding damage).

** Kashruth Advisory: Girl Scout Cookies **
The kosher symbol was inadvertently left off the Girl Scout Thin Mints. They are certified by the OU, the Orthodox Union. They are dairy.

** OU Kashruth Alert: TRU Chocolate **
Brands: TRU Nutrition
Products: TRU Chocolate
Company: Youngevity – Chula Vista, CA
Issue: This product mistakenly bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Future packaging will be revised. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org

** OU Kashruth Alert: Pillsbury Sweet Minis **
Brands: Pillsbury Sweet Minis
Products:
1. Mini Donuts (UPC #018000157815)
2. Brownie Bites (UPC #018000157822)
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies (UPC #018000157839)
Company: General Mills Sales Inc.,- Minneapolis, MN
Issue: These products were originally manufactured as OU certified. They are for use in individual cups at convenience stores. The integrity of the cup packaging may be compromised at the store level and the product should not be eaten as kosher certified. This previously released alert is being reissued for the benefit of the kosher public.

January 8, 2009
Kashruth Advisory: Goya beans
Please be advised that 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. HKA would like to thank Mrs. Susan Goldstein for bringing this matter to our attention.

January 7, 2009
Kashruth Alerts and Advisories
** Kashruth Advisory: New York Bagel in Houston **
Please be advised of the following changes at New York Bagel. All of their kosher certified products are now pas yisrael. Not all items in the refrigerated case are kosher. HKA will maintain a list of these products which will be posted on the refrigerator.

** Kashruth Advisory: Celestial Seasonings teas**
Please be aware some Celestial Seasonings teas are dairy. Among the dairy ones are English Toffee & Decaf and Vanilla Maple. There are other varieties which are dairy. Check each box.

** Kashruth Advisory: Kroger brand 100% pure not from concentrate orange juice and grapefruit juice **
Kroger brand 100% pure not from concentrate orange juice and grapefruit juice has a Kd marking. It should be considered dairy.

** OU Kashruth Alert: Rabbit Ham flavored 16 Bean Soup **
Brands: Jack Rabbit
Products: Ham flavored 16 Bean Soup
Company: Trinidad Benham
Issue: This product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. This product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

** cRc Kashrus Alert: Tropicana Brand Orange Juice **
Please be aware that Tropicana Brand Orange Juice with Omega 3 correctly bears an OK-Fish certification and should not be used together with meat or poultry. Consumers should always check each label before purchasing.

Kashruth Alerts and Advisories
** cRc Kashrus Alert: Crystal Light **
Kraft Foods has introduced a new product Crystal Light Hunger Satisfaction powdered beverage in Strawberry Banana flavor. This item is unique among Crystal Light varieties in that it contains whey, a milk protein, and is therefore dairy/cholov stam. It is certified OK-D, as stated on the package.

** OU Kashruth Alert: Boar’s Head Placards **
Issue: Placards bearing an unauthorized OU symbol and the Boar’s Head logo have been distributed to delis. These placards are not an indication of the
Kosher status of their corresponding products. Corrective action is being taken. Consumers spotting these placards are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org

** OU Kashruth Alert: Hoody’s Party Tray **
Brand: Hoody’s
Product: Serve & Snack Party Tray
Company: Harvest Manor Farms – Cedar Rapids, IA
Issue: This product contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Future packaging will be revised.

** OU Kashruth Alert: Sally Sherman Seafood Salad **
Brand: Sally Sherman
Products: Seafood Salad
Company: Sally Sherman Foods – Mt. Vernon, NY
Issue: A limited amount of this product has been distributed while bearing an unauthorized OU symbol. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace.

** cRc Kashrus Alert: Confiserie Leonidas**
Confiserie Leonidas, a fine Belgium chocolatier which also has a retail outlet on Madison Avenue in New York City, has mistakenly labeled some of their products omitting the Dairy designation. All of their kosher products are indeed cRc dairy, Cholov Stam.

** cRc Kashrus Alert: Oneg Cheese **
Please be aware that at this time, all varieties of Oneg Cheese are certified by the cRc as Dairy- Cholov Stam.

December 30, 2007
Kashruth notice from OU
Kashruth Alert: GFS Non Dairy Creamer
Products: Non Dairy Creamer
Company: Gordon Food Service- Grand Rapids, MI
Issue: This product contains dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Consumers should be aware that “Non Dairy Creamers” may, and often do, contain dairy ingredients.

December 14, 2007
Kashruth notices from OU
Kashruth Alert: Gourmet Hot Cocoa Pot and Frother Set
Products: Gourmet Hot Cocoa Pot and Frother Set (with cocoa and marshmallows)
UPC #005160755555
Company: Samme Hudson Inc.-China
Issue: This product, sold in Linens-N-Things retail stores, bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is being withdrawn from the marketplace.

Kashruth Alert: Earth’s Best Organic Dinner Variety Pack
Brands: Earth’s Best Organic
Products: Dinner Variety Pack (For Babies 6 Months & Older) containing:
1. Sweet Potato and Chicken
2. Summer Vegetable
3. Vegetable Turkey
4. Rice & Lentil
UPC #0-23923-51293-1
Company: The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. – Melville, NY
Issue: Some cases of this product have been distributed with an unauthorized OU symbol on the outer tray. The individual jars within the tray are correctly labeled. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

November 19, 2007
Kashruth notice from OU
Kashruth Alert: Nestle La Lechera Flakes
Products: La Lechera Flakes (UPC: 501059-204270)
Company: Nestle CPW Mexico S. de RL. de C.V.
Issue: This product’s Spanish Label distributed in Mexico contains a non-certified cappuccino bar, but the outer box bears an OU-D symbol. Only the cereal is certified as OU-D. Orthodox Union policy requires the removal of the OU symbol when a non-certified sample is inserted into the package.

November 9, 2007
Kashruth notices from OU
Kashruth Alert: Skittles & Starburst Variety Pack
Products: Skittles and Starburst Variety Pack (UPC# E20493)
Containing:
Skittles Original Fruit
Skittles Sours
Starburst Original Fruit
Starburst Mixed Fieldberries
Starburst Sours
Company: Effem Inc. – Bolton, Ontario
Issue: This Canadian product erroneously bears an unauthorized OU-D symbol and is not certified kosher by the Orthodox Union.

October 16, 2007
Kashruth notices from OU
Kashruth Alert: Ruby Kist Cranberry Raspberry Juice Cocktail
Brand: Ruby Kist
Products Cranberry Raspberry Juice Cocktail
Importer: ???? ???? ????? ???? ??”? (Tomer Importer Ltd.)
Issue: This product’s Hebrew label (as applied by the Israeli importer) bears an unauthorized OU representation. The product is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting this product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at kashalerts@ou.org.

September 24, 2007
Gatorade
Kashrut.com notes that Gatorade has started using a clear label on some of its beverages. The label is marked with a conspicuous, stand-alone letter K on the side, a label designator for the company. The product is NOT certified kosher.

August 28, 2007
Kashruth notices from OU
Kashruth Advisory
Blue Bunny FrozFruit
Brands: Blue Bunny
Products: Assorted FrozFruit Products
Company: Well’s Dairy- Le Mars, IA
Issue: Some pareve products are correctly labeled on the outer box, but contain wrappers bearing no symbol, or -D. All dairy products are correctly labeled as -D on the outer box and wrappers.

All Frozfruit products, including the pareve items, bear a notice regarding milk content. This is due to the concern of microscopic airborne milk particles that could affect individuals with extreme milk allergies.

The status of the products is shown below.

FrozFruit Strawberry OU
FrozFruit Banana and Cream OU-D
FrozFruit Chunky Mango Bar OU
FrozFruit Chunky Pineapple OU
FrozFruit Chunky Tropical OU
FrozFruit Coconut OU-D
FrozFruit Lemon Fruit Bar OU-D
FrozFruit Lime Fruit Bar OU
FrozFruit NSA Chunky Raspberry OU
FrozFruit NSA Chunky Strawberry OU
FrozFruit Pina Colade OU-D
FrozFruit Strawberries & Cream OU-D
FrozFruit Superfruit Pomegranate-Cherry OU
FrozFruit Superfruit Raspberry Acai OU

August 24, 2007
Kashruth notices from OU
Kashruth Alert
Planters Sesame Nut Mix
Brands: Planters
Products: Sesame Nut Mix (UPC #2900001127)
Company: Kraft Foods North America- East Hanover, NJ
Issue: This product correctly bears an OU symbol and is certified pareve. The product label erroneously lists milk as an ingredient.

June 27, 2007
Kashruth notices from OU
KASHRUTH ALERT
Hello Kitty Gummy Vitamins
Brands: Hello Kitty
Product: Gummy Vitamins (UPC # 077283044595)
Company: Spectra Merchandising International, Inc. – Chicago, IL
Issue: This product, distributed in Target Stores and via internet sales, bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is being withdrawn from the marketplace. Consumers spotting the mislabeled product are requested to contact the Orthodox Union at 212-613-8241 or via email at mailto:kashalerts@ou.org .
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KASHRUTH ADVISORY
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Pastries
Brands: Pillsbury
Product: Toaster Strudel Pastries (All Varieties)
Company: General Mills- Minneapolis, MN
Issue: Due to ongoing changes in production, selected varieties of these products will no longer bear the OU symbol effective immediately. Eventually all varieties of these products will stop being certified and labeled kosher. All products that bear the OU symbol are certified by the Orthodox Union. As always, the public is encouraged to check for the OU symbol on every product that is purchased.

May 16, 2007
Alert: Pool parties at the Houston Jewish Community Center (JCC)
Pool parties at the Houston Jewish Community Center (JCC) are not certified kosher by the Houston Kashruth Assn. (HKA).

May 10, 2007
Announcement: HKA resumes kosher certification of Madras Pavilion
Effective May 10, 2007, the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA) has resumed its kosher certification of Madras Pavilion, Kirby location. Guidelines have been established to avoid a reoccurrence of the situation that resulted in suspension of certification.

May 8, 2007
Alert: Madras Pavilion
Madras Pavilion, Kirby location, is NOT kosher effective 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2007, due to an accident. Houston Kashruth Association (HKA) is working with Madras Pavillion to correct the situation as soon as possible. Notice of the reinstitution of kosher supervision by the HKA will be sent upon completion of kashering.

Call 832-656-8194 if you have any questions.

April 25, 2007
Alert: Baked Goods at Randall’s Dairy Ashford and Memorial Store
Effective Immediately, the following information applies to the Randall’s Dairy Ashford and Memorial Store. Breads are no longer under HKA supervision. Self-serve sweets are HKA dairy. All prepackaged sweets, cookies and cakes must have an HKA dairy sticker on them.

March 29, 2007
Announcement: Update on Kosher for Passover Milk
This is an update to the March 15 HKA Bulletin. Note the following revised information about the date and code of kosher for Passover milk.

The following milk products for the brands listed below will be kosher for
Passover for 2007:

White milk (this excludes chocolate, strawberry etc.), all sizes, with the
expiration date of April 15 and with KP-07 next to the expiration date.

Bordens, Poinsetta, Rice, Wholesome Foods, Foodfair, Market Pantry, Lilly

March 15, 2007
Announcement: Kosher for Passover
All kosher fresh meat and poultry cut or packaged at the following stores are kosher for Passover, certified by the Houston Kashruth Associatiion, and do not require any special certification: Kroger #313, Randall’s Meyer Park and Beldens.

Fresh poultry and meats in their original packaging, are kosher for Passover, and are certified by the kashruth organization which certifies them at the packing house.

Uncooked corned beef and all packaged deli meats and processed poultry (such as roasted turkey) require kosher for Passover supervision.

The kosher deli at Kroger #313 Meyer Park store will be prepared for Passover and will reopen for business on Monday or Tuesday, March 19 or 20.

The kosher deli at Randalls Meyer Park store will be prepared for Passover and will reopen for business on Monday, March 26.

Shefa Bakery and Cafe will be prepared for Passover, and will be open during Chol Hamoed. Shefa Bakery Passover products will be available at the bakery on Beechnut from the Thursday before Passover, at Randalls Meyer Park and at Kroger #313.

The following milk products for the brands listed below will be kosher for Passover for 2007:

White milk (this excludes chocolate, strawberry etc.), all sizes, with the expiration dates of April 14 and 15 and with P-07 next to the expiration date.

Bordens
Poinsetta
Rice
Wholesome Foods
Foodfair
Market Pantry
Lilly

March 10, 2007
ANNOUNCEMENT: Houston Pecan Passover Products
Houston Pecan has items specially packaged for Passover 2007 that are available for purchase at their store. These items are certified kosher for Passover at Houston Pecan when bearing the HKA Passover sticker attached to the bag:
Apples
Apricots, Turkish
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Prunes
Pecans, halves only
Walnuts – large pieces and small pieces
Almonds – whole natural, sliced natural, slivered blanched
Pistachio – raw
Pistachio- rst
Pine nuts
Hazelnuts

February 25, 2007
ALERT: TCBY Yogurt
Several cities around the United States have a TCBY yogurt store, selling soft serve yogurt and other products. None of these stores were ever under the certification of the cRc, but for a period of time, the yogurt base was under the supervision of the cRc.

However, while the stores are still in operation, the manufacturer of that product is no longer in business. Some stores are using a yogurt base under various other supervisions, but none are presently certified by the cRc. It is the responsibility of the individual consumer to inspect the kosher status of this and other products before each purchase.

April 7, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT: Houston Pecan Clarification
To clarify the announcement sent yesterday:
Pecan halves sold by Houston Pecan are available and kosher for Passover when bearing an HKA-Passover sticker. Pecan pieces are not under HKA supervision for Passover, but are acceptable for the rest of the year.

April 7, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT: Kosher for Pesach Milk
Please see the announcement for Kosher l’Pesach Milk.

April 7, 2006
ALERT: Suzie’s Grill
Suzie’s Grill will not be selling food for Passover that has been certified by HKA.

April 6, 2006
ALERT: Houston Pecan
The pecan pieces sold at Houston Pecan are not supervised for Passover and should not be used.

April 6, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT: Pesach Update for Wish Bakery
Wish Bakery is under HKA supervision year round. Although Wish Bakery will be open during Pesach, it is not Kosher for Pesach

March 31, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT: Shefa Bakery and Cafe for Pesach
Shefa Bakery and Cafe is currently kosher for Pesach under HKA supervision. Catering menus can be picked up or faxed. Shefa will be open Chol Hamoed Pesach from 7am to 8pm.

March 27, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT: Pesach Products
The following local caterers will have Kosher for Passover food, prepared under HKA supervision:

Martine Levine
Jenny Tavor
Nosher’s

In addition, Suzie’s Grill will be offering smoked turkey and brisket for Passover under HKA supervision. The purchaser is cautioned, however, that Susan Goldstein may be selling other items for Passover from her house that are not under HKA supervision. Be sure to sure to ask.

Shefa’s Bakery is being kashered for Passover. Passover products will be available there, as well at local groceries. Chometz products (prepackaged) will still be available this week.

Houston Pecan Co. will be offering nuts and dried fruit for Passover. Bags must have an HKA – Passover sticker. Product will be available after March 28.

Coca-Cola and Diet Coke, bearing an OUP on the cap, should be available in local grocery stores, starting the week of March 26.

Kosher for Passover milk is not yet available in grocery stores. A separate bulletin will be released when it becomes available.

March 24, 2006
ALERT: Coca Cola Blak
Coca-Cola Blak (it is spelled without the c) is a new soda being introduced by the Coca-Cola Company. The soda is dairy.

March 13, 2006
ALERT: Randall’s Chocolate Items
The chocolate cakes and cupcakes at Randall’s (Meyer Park and Memorial stores) are kosher and acceptable, even if purchased March 10 through 13. They are marked with an HKA sticker.

We apologize for any inconvenience while we investigated the kashruth of the items from a new supplier.

March 12, 2006
ALERT: Bamba Snacks
Bamba Snacks from Osem Israel are made with corn and peanuts. Some packages mistakenly bear an OUP, indicating that it is kosher for Passover, even though it contains kitniyos. The product is not certified as kosher for Passover. Corrective action is being taken.

March 12, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT: Kosher for Passover Meat
All kosher meat at both Belden’s and Kroger’s is kosher for Passover, regardless of when purchased. All pre-packaged kosher meat at Randall’s (Meyer Park store) is also kosher for Passover, regardless of when purchased. Meat cut and processed in the Randall’s (Meyer Park) butcher shop (typically has a pink HKA tag on it) is kosher for Passover when marked with an expiration date of 3/14/06 or later.

March 10, 2006 (Updated 3/13/06)
ALERT: Randall’s Bakery Chocolate Cakes
Due to a change in suppliers for Randall’s bakeries (both Meyer Park and Memorial stores), chocolate layer cakes, chocolate cup cakes, chocolate round cakes and similar items where the cake (not the icing) is chocolate are not recommended. There are no HKA stickers on these items. This does not affect the kashruth of other Randall’s bakery items. An update concerning the chocolate items will be sent out as soon as available. Items purchased through Thursday, March 9 with the HKA sticker are acceptable.

February 22, 2006
ANNOUNCEMENT: Mission Tortillas
Previously, consumers were able to determine if specific Mission Tortillas were kosher by the plant code on the packaging. Mission Tortillas has modified its packaging to include the CRC symbol for the products that are supervised. Please rely on the symbol instead of the plant code to determine if the product is kosher.

February 22, 2006
ALERT: Krinos and Garden Fresh Gourmet
Krinos Imported Feta Cheese in Brine and Milk was mistakenly labeled Kof-K Pareve. The Kof-K does not certify any feta cheese products for Krinos.
Corrective measures are being taken.

Some products from Garden Fresh Gourmet, Ferndale, MI, bear an unauthorized OK. The OK does not certify any of their products.

January 19, 2006
ALERT: Puff-Ins
Both Puff-Ins cafe locations (Galleria and Downtown Tunnel) have closed. The products may still be found in local supermarkets, and are still under HKA supervision.

January 11, 2006
ALERT: JCC 70th Anniversary
The Jewish Community Center’s 70th Anniversary dessert reception on Saturday, January 14 is not under HKA supervision.

December 30, 2005
ALERT: Fortant Wine
Fortant wine comes in both kosher and non-kosher varieties. The kosher variety has a brownish-purple label with a large OU on the front. The non- kosher variety is labeled in blue and does not have the OU.

Some of the local stores sell both varieties side by side. Consumers are cautioned to check the label, rather than just rely on the brand name.

December 27, 2005
ALERT: Dr. Praeger’s Pizza Bagels and Veggie Burgers
Brand: Dr. Praeger’s
Products: Pizza Bagels and Pizza Veggie Burgers
Company: Ungar’s Food Products, Elmwood Park, NJ
Issue: These certified products contain dairy ingredients as listed on the ingredient panel, but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted. Some packages mistakenly bear an OU-Pareve statement. Corrective action is being taken.

December 9, 2005
ALERT: Sugar Mountain Creamery
Effective December 11, Sugar Mountain Creamery will no longer be under HKA supervision.

December 5, 2005
ANNOUNCEMENT: UT-Austin Hillel
University of Texas (Austin) Hillel has opened a new facility. Kitchens and food at the facility, both dairy and meat, are under HKA supervision.

November 28, 2005
ALERT: Minute Maid Sodas
The following Minute Maid sodas are certified kosher/pareve. This applies only to the sodas packed in 2 liter plastic bottles, 16oz. plastic bottles and 12oz. cans, and not the fruit juices.

Fruit Punch
Grape Medley
Lemonade
Limonade
Mixed Berry Fruit Soda
Pink Lemonade
Raspberry Lemonade

November 27, 2005
ANNOUNCEMENT: Shefa Bakery & Cafe
Shefa Bakery & Cafe is now open until 7 pm Sunday – Thursday for dinner. Please contact Shefa’s for any additional information.

November 27, 2005
ANNOUNCEMENT: Suzie’s Grill
A new kosher meat restaurant has opened. Shomer shabbos, mashgiach timidi, pas yisrael, bishul yisrael per Rema, bet Yoseph available on request. Phone number and hours will be posted on the website.

Suzie’s Grill
5925 South Braeswood
Houston TX 77096

November 9, 2005
ANNOUNCEMENT: DGZ Chocolates
DGZ Chocolates, an HKA supervised company, is going out of the chocolate candy business. All remaining product on store shelves is Kosher-Dairy when the HKA logo is on the box.

DGZ will maintain a kosher chocolate fountain business – both dairy and pareve – which people or establishments can rent for various functions. The new phone number for the fountain business is 713-823-3808.

November 9, 2005
ANNOUNCEMENT: Carvel Ice Cream
The Carvel Ice Cream shop is now under HKA supervision.

Carvel Ice Cream
1560 Eldridge Parkway (@ Briar Forest)
Houston, TX 77077
281-589-9955

Store Hours:
Mon, Tues: 11:30 a.m.