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Consumer FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Frequently Asked Questions list below is ordered by category.
If you have a question that's not answered here, or if you'd like to comment on a question you can email us at kosherq@ou.org or you can use the Webbe Rebbe form and we'll respond with an answer.
Click on an FAQ category below to expand it. Click on a question to see the answer.
- Questions about whether or not something is Kosher?
Is Starbucks Liqueur kosher, even though it does not bear an OU or OU-D symbol?
- ANSWER:
Although generally, we only recommend OU certified products when they bear an OU symbol, in this case, Starbucks liqueur may be imbibed although it does not bear an OU symbol yet. L’Chaim!
The following Starbucks Liqueur is certified as kosher pareve:
Coffee Liqueur Starbucks OU
The following Starbucks Liqueur is certified as kosher dairy:
Cream Liqueur Starbucks OU-D
- ANSWER:
Do the coatings sprayed on fruits or vegetables pose a Kosher concern?
- ANSWER:
Yes, it is indeed possible (if not likely) for coatings of fruits and vegetables to contain non-kosher and/or dairy ingredients. Nonetheless, according our rabbinical authorities there is no reason to be stringent about this issue for various reasons. The coatings do not lend any positive taste to the fruits and vegetables they cover and protect. In fact, they are completely inedible. Because the coatings are in and of themselves inedible, they are batel berov (nullified due to their status as minority components) like any other inedible item. While it would be ideal to consume fruits and vegetables that are either uncoated or contain kosher coatings, there is no practical way to determine the sources of the coatings of any particular fruit or vegetable.
Similarly, it is impossible to avoid coated fruits or vegetables without purchasing them straight from a farmer. Because of these reasons, it is the opinion of our rabbinical authorities that one may eat all fruits and vegetables without having to wash (which will not necessarily remove the wax coatings on many items) or peel them.
- ANSWER:
Can one purchase a certified ice cream flavor in a non-supervised ice cream franchise?
- ANSWER:
We think it is permissible to purchase ice cream from ice cream shops provided that you can verify that the ice cream flavor you which to eat is indeed certified. You might do so by looking for the kosher symbol on the side of the tub.
Otherwise, you could ask the franchise for a letter of certification stating the flavor is certified. Then you would check the side of the tub to make sure that the ice cream really comes from Tasti D-Lite, and then confirm that you are receiving the flavor that is listed as being certified.
The scooper does not pose an inherent kashruth concern because it is used cold.
Nonetheless, it is possible that the ice cream scooper could contain traces of non certified ice cream from a previous scooping. Therefore it is necessary to ask the franchise employee to clean the scooper before serving you.
What about the toppings and cones?
Unlike ice cream, which is scooped out of big tubs that contain the brand names or symbols on them, toppings and cones are served out of their original packages. For that reason, it is difficult to verify that they came from a kosher certified source. Even if an employee pulls out a box for them with a kosher symbol on it, it is impossible to be sure the cones or toppings did not come from an uncertified box. The only way to be sure that these items come from properly certified sources is to watch them take the cones or toppings out of the box. Otherwise, we suggest you either get the ice cream served in paper cups or purchase the ice cream from a parlor under reliable supervision.
- ANSWER:
What can I consume at my local Starbucks coffee shop?
- ANSWER:Can one purchase coffee from Starbucks or any other un-certified coffee shop?
Before we begin discussing whether one can drink coffee in Starbucks, we should first mention that the following Starbucks products are certified as Kosher when bearing the OU symbol:
Starbucks Coffees Label Name Brand Name Symbol Breakfast Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Caffe Verona Roasted Ground Coffee Starbucks OU-P Coffee Decaf Starbucks OU Coffee Regular Starbucks OU-P Coffee-Flavorlock Bags Starbucks OU-P Colombian Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Decaf Coffee-Flavorlock Bags Starbucks OU Decaf Montecatini Torrefazione Italia OU Decaf Post Alley Seattle's Best Coffee OU Decaf Royal Carib-bean Seattle's Best Coffee OU Decaf Seattle's Best Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU Espresso Roasted Ground Coffee Starbucks OU-P Expresso Decaf Roasted Ground Coffee Starbucks OU French Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Henry's Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Italian Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Kenya Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P M525-Reduced Calorie
Frappuccino Dry BlendStarbucks OU-D Napoli Torrefazione Italia OU-P Organic Breakfast Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Organic Decaf Fair Trade Seattle's Best Coffee OU Organic Decaf Twilight Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU Organic Fair Trade House Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Organic French Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Organic House Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Organic Seattle's Best Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Organic Sumatra Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Palermo Torrefazione Italia OU-P Perugia Torrefazione Italia OU-P Pisa Torrefazione Italia OU-P Portside Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Post Alley Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Royal Carib-bean Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Sardegna Torrefazione Italia OU-P Saturday's Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Seattle's Best Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Sixth Avenue Bistro Blend Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Specialty Sales Coffee Starbucks OU-P Specialty Sales Decaf-Coffee Starbucks OU Tazza D'Oro Seattle's Best Coffee OU-P Venezia Torrefazione Italia OU-P Gourmet Hot Cocoa Mix Starbucks OU-D
Starbucks Baked Goods and Mixes Label Name Brand Name Symbol 62134 Lemon Poppyseed T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D 62135 Blueberry T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D 62136 Cranberry Orange T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D 62137 LF Blueberry T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D 62139 LF Cranberry Orange T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D 62140 Carrot T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D 62141 Carrot Zucchini T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D 62142 Raisin Bran T & S Muffin Starbucks OU-D Chocolate Creme Cake Base Starbucks OU-D Muffin Base Mix Starbucks OU-D Scone Base Mix Starbucks OU-D
Starbucks Candy Label Name Brand Name Symbol 00179761 Red Sugar Starbucks OU Chocolate Coins and Medals Starbucks OU-D
Starbucks Ice Cream Label Name Brand Name Symbol Dolce Bar-Caramel Starbucks OU-D Dolce Bar-Mocha Starbucks OU-D Foiled Chocolate Novelties Starbucks OU-D Caffe Vanilla NSA Low Fat Ice Cream Bars Starbucks OU-D Caramel Cappuccino Swirl Starbucks OU-D Classic Coffee Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Coffee Fudge Brownie NSA Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Coffee Toffee Crunch Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Dark Roast Espresso Swirl Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Dulce De Leche Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Frappuccino Ice Cream Bar Starbucks OU-D Java Fudge Bar Starbucks OU-D Java Fudge Low Fat Ice Cream Bars Starbucks OU-D Java Toffee Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Javachip Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Mocha Frappuccino Low Fat Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Mocha Low Fat Ice Cream Bars Starbucks OU-D Mud Pie Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D Vanilla Mocha Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D White Chocolate Latte Ice Cream Starbucks OU-D
Starbucks Health Bars Label Name Brand Name Symbol Peanut Caramel Bar Starbucks Cafe Bliss Bar OU-D Toffee Nut Bar Starbucks Penza Bar OU-D
Starbucks Syrups (industrial products) Label Name Brand Name Symbol Alcohol Free Citron Syrup F0366 Starbucks OU Almond Syrup F0207 Starbucks OU Brulee Syrup F0383 Starbucks OU Caramel Syrup F0013 Starbucks OU Caramel Syrup F0208 Starbucks-Alcohol Free OU Cinnamon Streusel Syrup Starbucks OU Cinnamon Streusel Syrup F0360 Starbucks OU Cinnamon Streusel Syrup F0384 Starbucks OU Cinnamon Syrup F0025 Starbucks OU Citron Syrup F0364 Starbucks OU Citrus Syrup Alcohol Free F0366 Starbucks OU Classic/Simple Syrup F0288 Starbucks OU Coconut Syrup F0026 Starbucks OU Creme De Menthe Syrup F0209 Starbucks-Alcohol Free OU Gingerbread Syrup F0232 Starbucks OU Hazelnut Syrup F0036 Starbucks OU Irish Cream Syrup F0037 Starbucks OU Melon Syrup F0413 Starbucks OU Natural Almond Syrup F0385 Starbucks OU Natural Caramel Syrup F0386 Starbucks OU Natural Hazelnut Syrup F0387 Starbucks OU Natural Vanilla Syrup F0388 Starbucks OU Peppermint Syrup F0307 Starbucks OU Raspberry Syrup F0054 Starbucks OU Raspberry Syrup F0213 Starbucks-Alcohol Free OU Root Beer Syrup F0338 Fontana OU Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup F0371 Fontana OU Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup F0371 Starbucks OU Sugar Free Vanilla Can F0370 Starbucks OU Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup F0068 Starbucks OU Sweet Strawberry Flavored Syrup (F0306) Fontana OU Toffee Nut Syrup F0339 Starbucks OU Valencia Orange Flavoured Syrup Fontana OU Valencia Syrup F0074 Starbucks OU Vanilla Syrup F0076 Starbucks OU
Alcoholic beverages Label Name Brand Name Symbol Coffee Liqueur Starbucks OU Cream Liqueur Starbucks OU-D
Please bear in mind that we at the OU only take responsibility for the Kashruth of the above certified products when they are in sealed containers and bear the OU symbol. Once the above named packages are opened we can no longer stand behind their Kashruth.
That being said, we believe we might be able to offer our opinion regarding this issue.
First, unflavored coffee does not require supervision. From what we have heard, Starbucks does not use flavored coffee in their coffee pots, and only inserts flavoring by adding syrups. Therefore, there are no Kashruth concerns regarding the coffee pots.
Although Starbucks serves sandwiches and pastries that are not certified as Kosher, these items are never produced in individual Starbucks stores. Rather, they are sent to Starbucks stores in sealed packages. This means that the Kashruth of the coffees and syrups are not affected by such items.
Can I purchase an espresso from Starbucks?
Like unflavored coffee, espresso with no added flavors does not require supervision. Since Starbucks uses dedicated machines for their espressos, there are no Kashruth concerns regarding such drinks.
Is coffee prepared by a non-Jew bishul akum?
There has been some debate among earlier authorities as to whether coffee prepared by a non-Jew would have the status of bishul akum. However, the vast majority of poskim (rabbinical authorities) today side with the position that coffee (and tea for that matter) is merely flavored water. Since water is edible without being cooked, coffee need not be cooked by a Jew.
May one partake of Starbucks syrups served in their respective franchises?
As you probably saw above, we certify many Starbucks syrups, though we do not certify every single flavor. Therefore, if you wish to use flavored syrup at Starbucks, you should ask the workers to see the OU symbol on the syrup bottle before partaking.
Can I get Starbucks syrups in my coffee?
As you saw above, we certify many Starbucks syrups, though not all of them. Therefore, before purchasing a shot of syrup, ask to look at the bottle to make sure its certified.
Can I purchase a latte at Starbucks?
A latte consists of steamed milk being added to coffee. This means that the Kashruth of the latte is dependent on what else Starbucks steams on their steamer. In the past, Starbucks has used their steamers to steam an uncertified beverage. We have heard that this beverage has been discontinued. Thus, at the moment, it should be acceptable to purchase a latte. However, please bear in mind that Starbucks is constantly updating their repertoire of coffees and beverages. For this reason, it is necessary to continuously verify that Starbucks does not steam any non-certified items using such steamers.
May I purchase frappacinos from Starbucks stores?
One of the flavors used to make Starbucks frappacinos in the stores is uncertified, therefore, we do not possess any information about its Kashruth.
It is the policy of the OU not to render opinions on the Kashruth of a product if the OU does not have full access to information about the makeup of the product nor about the plant where the product was produced.
We suggest that you contact the company to inquire if it is under a Rabbinic supervision. If you're given a name of a Rabbi or of a Kashruth organization, then check with your Rabbi if the certification is a reliable one.Is veal Kosher?
- ANSWER:
The Kosher status of veal has been the subject of controversy. The source was a question regarding the food on which calves are raised. Their diet includes both milk and animal fat, which would potentially make it basar be’chalav, the biblically prohibited mixture of milk and meat.
Based on this many rabbinical authorities decided that it is forbidden to eat veal raised on such a diet for two main reasons. The Rama, a 16th century scholar, states that one may not eat meat raised completely on forbidden foods. Later authorities explain the Rama’s reasoning as coming from maris ayin, the rabbinical injunction against acting in ways that can appear as sinful to others. Additionally since there is a biblical prohibition against deriving any benefit from basar be’chalav, many rabbinic authorities believed that eating veal from calves raised on basar be’chalav would transgress this ban. Other rabbis held that it was muttar (permissible), since other products essential for the calves, such as oil and vitamins, were mixed into the food, and the Rama forbids only animals who get their whole substanance from the forbidden food.
However it was determined that the initial assumption was incorrect. While it is true that farm-raised calves are fed meat and milk that is mixed together, this mixture does not constitute basar be’chalav according to the Torah. In actuality, the milk and animal fats are mixed together, but never cooked together. Although eating such a mixture is still Rabbinically prohibited, veal that comes from calves raised on such a diet is not prohibited.
Why is there no leg of lamb in Kosher butcher shops in the US?
- ANSWER:
It is possible to get a kosher leg of lamb, but, to the best of our knowledge, not in the US. Treiboring of the hindquarters requires a boki, or expert, as there is chelev, a Biblically prohibited fat, and gid hanosheh, a biblically prohibited vein. The removal of these usually results in much of the meat being cut up and not in the large cuts a butcher likes. So it is not economical in the US: too much labor, too little usable meat, and too few butchers who know how to treiber, or clean, the hindquarters.
Any cut that comes from after the 12th rib of the animal is, under normal circumstances in the United States, not available to us as Kosher. It is highly unlikely you’ll find Kosher certified cuts of beef or lamb from below the 12th rib in the US. In Israel, other such cuts, bearing a very reliable Kosher Certification, would be permitted.
Some places market and serve something called leg of lamb. Technically, it is, but it is the front leg. In normal parlance, the dish called leg of lamb is the hind leg. This is akin to “kosher sirloin steak,” which is from the 11th rib, whereas what is normally termed sirloin is after the 13th rib.
Can you tell me if a certain type of fish is Kosher?
- ANSWER:
If you enter your fish’s common name into www.fishbase.org’s search engine, you’ll see that you get numerous results.
It is impossible to say for a fact that they are all kosher. Some fish referred to as that name may be kosher, so it might be worth looking into. The way to know if your fish is a kosher one, is by checking its kosher status yourself (don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly how):
1. First make sure the skin is still intact (with the scales still attached). If the fish is skinned before you can confirm its kosher status, it can no longer be considered kosher.
2. Have the person selling the fish remove a scale from the fish in front of you.
3. Make sure the skin did not rip from the process of removing the scale. If the scale comes out cleanly… congratulations! You have yourself a kosher fish. If not, try this procedure on another type of yummy friend from “down under” (water that is) until you get one whose scales can be removed without ripping the skin.
4. As much as we might like to, we cannot rely on the fish seller to tell us a fish is kosher. Even if the seller tells you it is a kosher fish, you have to confirm the kosher status with the scale removal procedure mentioned above.
What is the OU’s position regarding genetic engineering?
- ANSWER:
There are two dimensions to this issue. First, there is the health concern. Is it safe to consume genetically altered foods? This question is presently a matter of great public debate. Where does the OU stand on this question?
In Jewish Kosher law, a person is not permitted to eat food that is detrimental to one’s health. Nonetheless, the OU views the determination of whether or not a particular substance poses a health danger to be outside of the realm of its expertise. This issue is not in the purview of a Kosher organization, and should be decided by responsible government agencies and health professionals. In practice, the OU would generally agree to certify a product that the USDA considers to be safe. The presence of an OU symbol on a product should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the safe status of a product, since, as stated, we view this matter to be outside our domain.
The second issue is as follows. If non-Kosher genetic material is introduced into a Kosher product, does that render the genetically altered material as non-Kosher? For example, if a new strain of tomatoes is developed by introducing genetic material from a pig cell, is the tomato a Kosher entity?
In our opinion, the genetic engineering does not affect the Kosher status. This is the case for two reasons: Firstly, the genetic material is generally microscopic and is not significant enough to change the Kosher status. Secondly, the generic material is only introduced in the initial stage. Subsequently, the genetically altered item produces new offspring, which has not been the recipient of non-Kosher genetic material. The presence of a non-Kosher gene in a tomato does not render as non-Kosher all subsequent tomatoes that are “descendents” of the genetically altered tomato.
Are cicadas Kosher?
- ANSWER:
The Mishnah lists the requirements needed for an insect to be considered kosher. It must have four legs, plus two which are the length of the insect and used for jumping.
It must be known as a “chagor”, loosely translated as grasshopper, and have a tradition handed down from generation to generation that it is a kosher insect. The cicada is not a kosher insect.
Are locusts Kosher?
- ANSWER:
The Torah states that
‘Ess Eileh Mei’hem To’cheilu,
Ess Ho’Arbeh Leminoi,
V’ess ha’Sol’om Le’mineihu
V’ess ha’Chargoil Le’mineihu
V’ess he’Chogov Le’mineihu
Leviticus 11:22This is one of the issues where there is a difference in tradition between the Sephardic community and the Ashkenas community. The Sephardic tradition believes it has a long heritage of identifying which species are referred to in the Torah. There are four species mentioned in the Torah which, the Talmud says, means that there are eight species. They deduce this because after mentioning each insect the Torah adds ‘according to its species’ which implies there is at least one more in each species.
Thus the Sephardim identify these as locusts, grasshopper, and cricket. Unfortunately, we are not at all familiar with what family of species of locusts, grasshoppers, etc. they identify as permissible to eat. We do know that they consider them to be ‘like fish’, and therefore Pareve.
The Ashkenazim, however, follow the dictum of Rashi, who is of the opinion that we have lost the tradition of what the species named in the Torah are. Therefore, Ashkenazim refrain from eating such delicacies.
Is ostrich a Kosher bird?
- ANSWER:
While the Torah gives the special signs to recognize Kosher animal species (ruminants and split hooves) and kosher fish species (scales that can be easily removed and fins), there are no signs for birds species.
The Torah simply lists the names of the bird species that are not Kosher in their Hebrew names.
But what is the correct translation of these names? We don’t know for sure. And if we don’t know what can we do?
The only recourse then is to rely on tradition. Our forbearers relied on their forbearers and they relied on their forbearers, etc. The relatively few fowls that we consider Kosher today have been traditionally around century after century. Thus any bird species for which there is no tradition of being a Kosher species cannot be accepted to be Kosher.
There is no tradition that the ostrich had been a Kosher species. As such it is unacceptable in Kosher circles.
While it is against the law and against Halacha to raise sows in Israel, there are many ostrich farms in Israel. The Halacha forbids raising non-Kosher species of animal or fowl in the Holy Land. The courts have resisted attempts to outlaw such ostrich farms.
Does Cream of Tartar present a Yayin Nesach issue?
- ANSWER:
The question of whether this ingredient presents Kosher concerns was considered by the Poskim at the OU. Specifically, Rabbi Hershel Schechter, Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Rabbi Genack have all pored over this issue and have all come to the P’sak Halacha that Cream of Tartar present no Shailoh of Nesach and is an acceptable ingredient.
Rabbi Belsky’s Teshuvah on this issue has been published in Rabbinical journals.
Does the OU on canned tuna and canned salmon mean that the products are Bishul Yisroel with a Mashgiach Tamidi?
- ANSWER:
There should be no question in anyone’s mind whether the OU’s approval on a product includes a protection that no one will transgress the Issur of Bishul Akum. After all, it is a Halacha in the Shulchan Oruch.
Therefore, in good conscience, we can say that every product bearing an OU on the package that requires Bishul Yisroel is indeed Bishul Yisroel. At the same time, we state that foods that, according to Halacha, do not require Bishul Yisroel would probably not be Bishul Yisroel.
There are two specific areas regarding tuna fish where some choose to interpret the Halacha in a stricter manner.
1) Hashgocho T’midis – A constant presence of a Mashgiach
2) Bishul Akum – Issur (prohibition) of food cooked by gentilesOne of the basic Kosher concerns in the fishing industry is the fear that non-Kosher species caught in the same net will be packaged/canned together with the Kosher fish species.
There are two types of fish processing. One is where the catching, processing and canning are all done on the boat. The other is where independent fishermen go out to catch the fish and bring their catch to a fish processing plant.
The tuna fish used by the companies whose products are certified by the OU are caught by independent fishermen who deliver their catch at a dock of the canning plant.
In OU certified Tuna, the fisherman remove other fish caught in their nets either on their boat or when they dock. They are there to deliver one type of fish to the plant.Government regulations are strict about putting in different species of fish other than what is specified. So the plant, which is supervised by government inspectors, does not want to have any other fish species other than what they are processing. Certainly, the last thing they would want is to pay the fishermen for fish they don’t want to use and especially for which they might get fined.
Additionally, OU Mashgichim, from time to time, visit these plants to check on the processing. Because of these two checks, the Poskim at the OU have agreed that there is enough Hashgocha to make sure that no non-Kosher species is processed with the tuna.
The second question deals with Bishul Yisroel. One of the requirements is that the specific food product should be ‘fit for a king’s table’. This judgment is not on the category of food, but on the specific product. For example, while a whole potato requires Bishul Yisroel, potato chips wouldn’t. The OU Poskim hold that canned tuna is not served at a royal table and hence is free from the requirement that only a Jew may cook it.
The OU’s Rabbinical Board evaluates each food product to judge if it falls in such a category. As it turns out, a good number of products - specifically consumer canned goods - are not fit for a king’s table. Freshly cooked versions might be, but canned is surely not. Tuna is not really coo
Dagim, Gefen, and some Season brand tuna have a steady Mashgiach at their plants. He performs a double duty. One important aspect is to constantly inspect arriving shipments to check for unwanted fish. The Mashgiach also lights the fires, satisfying those who take a more stringent view and hold that since Tuna could be served at a royal table the ‘canned’ version should also require cooking by a Jew.
All cans of tuna labeled OU-P (Kosher for Passover) are made under the watch of a fulltime Mashgiach who also lights the fire.
Can one eat in a vegetarian restaurant which does not have certification?
- ANSWER:
It is often assumed that vegetarian food prepared in a non-Jewish establishment is Kosher. However, this notion is based on misinterpretation of the term ‘vegetarian’.
Although some vegetarian food may be in fact be Kosher, this cannot be taken as a general rule, for the following reasons:
a) Cheese products (both hard and soft cheeses) must have Kosher certification.
b) Some vegetarian food may contain non-Kosher margarine or fish oil.
c) Vegetables in which insects are occasionally found require examination by a reliable Jewish person.
d) The Rabbinic prohibition against eating foods cooked by a gentile, while this prohibition not applicable to all foods, certainly applies to a course of fish. It would also apply to a long list of foods that cannot be eaten raw, and foods that would be special enough to be placed on a ‘kings menu’.
Are there any online kosher supermarkets?
- ANSWER:
We are aware of two online kosher supermarkets:
1) http://www.kosher.com/
2) http://www.mykoshermarket.comDisclaimer: This is not an endorsement or approval for these businesses.
Do Oral Medications Need To Be Kosher?
- ANSWER:
Since the Torah is quite specific, a simplistic answer would be as follows:
Q. What are the limitations that The Torah impose upon us as to what we may eat?
A. The Torah only allows us to eat food that is Kosher.
Q. What does the Torah prohibit us from eating?
A. The Torah prohibits us from eating food that is not Kosher. Period.But before we shut the door on this issue, let us discuss a Halacha that might just be pertinent to these issues.
This is the Halacha that deals with questions of Life and Death.
Q. To what degree is it incumbent on a Jew to not to violate a precept of the Torah? Would it mean that that one would have to be ready to die so not to violate a commandment?
A. With three exceptions, the Torah commands us to place the value of life above everything, even above the laws of the Torah.When a person’s life is in danger, not only ‘may’ he take non-kosher medication, but he ‘must’ take such medication [only if no comparable Kosher medication is available at hand]. Should the person refuse, he or she should be advised that the sin of refusing such medication is akin to and perhaps even worse than the sin of eating non–Kosher food.
In the case of a life-threatening illness which requires a non-kosher medication; there should be no hesitation in taking such medications. Any young baby’s illness, according to the Torah, is considered ‘life threatening’.
Anyone with an illness that if left untreated would turn into a life threatening situation may take non-Kosher medication as he is now already considered to be in a life-threatening situation.
Anyone with a high temperature is to be considered as possibly turning into a ‘life threatening’ situation.
So much for a ‘life threatening’ illness.
There are two other forms or degrees of ‘sicknesses’ which have Halachic implications. One is an illnesses which is not life threatening. The other form of illness would be when one experiences ‘discomfort’.
In both instances, before running to take just anything, one must bear in mind the simplistic but inescapable rule we mentioned right at the beginning. Now that we know that one can’t just have a ‘free ticket’ for just about anything, it becomes equally important to explore the Halacha a little deeper, to learn what one may do and what one should not do, so that in the merit of keeping to the will of G-d, one can merit a recovery to good health.
Oral Medications come in different forms. Ordinary pills, Coated Pills, Capsules, Elixirs or liquids and finally (at least for this discussion), tablets to be chewed.
Ordinary pills – The vast, vast majority of medications today are chemicals and by themselves would not present Kosher concerns. The problems then consists of either the binders that keep the medication together in a pill form, and the coatings or Capsules which in most cases consist of non-Kosher gelatin.
Rabbis have ruled that non-Kosher binders present no Kosher concerns.
But what does one do with coated medicines and with capsules when one is ill but not with a life threatening illness?
Many Rabbinical authorities have ruled in cases of such illnesses as follows: True, the Torah forbade us to ‘eat’ anything that is not Kosher, but in case of illness, one may ask just exactly do we call ‘eating’? The normative explanation of eating means to take the thing in the mouth, either chew it, or savor the flavor, and then to swallow. Those are the steps involved in ‘eating’. But when one takes a pill and swallows it, usually with a liquid, that is not considered ‘eating’. The Torah only forbade ‘eating’ something that is not Kosher, swallowing without eating is not considered ‘eating’. In the case of a non-threatening illness it might be permitted.
[Other Rabbinical authorities don’t go so far, but suggest that one wrap the pill in a small piece of tissue paper and swallow the pill with water that way. Others yet break the capsule and pour the medicine in to a spoon and take the medication only and discard the capsule.]
What would this do to liquids (like cough medications, anti-gas syrups, etc.)? What about Chewable Tablets.? Certainly these medications fall into the category of ‘eating’. The answer is that one may not take such medications if they are not Kosher. In instances where there is a strong need for such medications, and in instances where the illness is strictly discomfort, a Rabbi should be consulted on finding ways to be allowed to take such medications.
Now the question is whether vitamins or medications taken for cosmetic purposes are required to be Kosher? We know that most of such energy drinks, shakes or syrups, and many vitamins contain glycerine, which may be derived from animals. Normally, such cases are not considered as ‘medications’ - and therefore should not be taken without a reliable certification.
If you can’t find a Kosher substitute, consult your local learned Orthodox Rabbi for other suggestions
Are all Hershey products kosher?
- ANSWER:
Contrary to popular perception, NOT all Hershey Products are Kosher certified by the OU.
How can one tell if a Hershey product is certified? Very simple. The product must bear the OU or OU-D symbol on the wrapper. The symbol usually appears in small letters after the ingredients
Does mouthwash need kosher certification?
- ANSWER:
Mouthwash may contain non-Kosher glycerine and non-Kosher flavors. Some Rabbonim permit the use of non-kosher mouthwash that is expelled (spit out) and not swallowed. Some do not permit it. You should consult your local learned Orthodox Rabbi.
Given the fact that vitamin D3 can come from non-kosher sources, if it is added to kosher milk, does that change the kosher status of the milk?
- ANSWER:
To fully explain the issues involved, we cannot avoid touching upon a Talmudical term ‘Bittul’, translated as ‘dissipation’. The rule is quite complicated - not in concept, but in the understanding of when it may be applied and when it cannot be applied.
Basically, the rule states, that if a category of non-Kosher food [Note: Not all non-Kosher products] fell into accidentally, or was even added intentionally by someone else, into Kosher food, if there was a ratio of 60 to 1 of Kosher food to the non-Kosher food, then we may consider the non-Kosher food to have been dissipated and the entire product may be eaten in this case.
[Please note: This does not apply in all cases; there are times when the ratio may increase or decrease in different settings, and the exact foors matter as well. We urge you not to apply this rule without checking with your learned Rabbi]
If you go back and study the wording we used earlier (‘by someone else’), you should realize that you are not permitted to purposely dissipate non-Kosher into Kosher. And if you did so consciously, the entire mix – even if the ratio was a million Kosher to 1 non-Kosher – is not Kosher.
If you consciously did so, obviously, the OU would not certify such a product.
The dissipation rule may only be used in instances where a food is encountered where ‘someone’ added the non-Kosher ingredient, and we look at this mix and try to rule whether this mix is permissible or not. Halacha permits us to say that whatever non-kosher ingredient had been placed by someone else is NO LONGER in existence, it was dissipated.
Thus, the amount of vitamin D3 added to milk is so minute that Halachically it can be considered to have been dissipated – and no longer poses a Kosher concern.
However, when a dairy company applies to the OU for certification of their milk products, it is no longer a matter of ‘someone else’ adding the non-Kosher vitamins. As such, all milk certified by the OU, that bear the OU-D symbol on the label or on the cap, contain only Kosher certified vitamins that are in no way sourced from animals.
The OU will not certify a dairy’s milk products unless all the additives, no matter how minute, are 100% Kosher.
You may be somewhat relieved to note that vitamins are added only to fresh milk sold for consumer consumption. Vitamins are not added to milk used in industrial production as a product ingredient, whether the milk is in the form of powdered milk or liquid.
- Questions about whether a product requires Kosher supervision?
Does herbal or regular tea require Kosher supervision to be imbibed?
- ANSWER:
All teas, regular, decaffeinated and herbal, that do not list artificial or natural flavorings or colorings in the ingredients are acceptable without any Kosher supervision or certification.
- ANSWER:
Can one imbibe vodka without a reliable Kosher certification?
- ANSWER:
All unflavored vodkaa may be used, with the exception of vodkas which are derived from grapes, such as Hangar One and Ciroc, and those made from milk such as Vermont Spirits’ White Vodka.
Flavored vodka must bear a reliable Kosher certification.
The following vodkas are certified Kosher Parve when bearing the OU symbol:
267 Vodka Cranberry Infusion
267 Vodka Lemon Infusion
267 Vodka Olives & Onion Infusion
267 Vodka Orange Infusion
Absolut Absolut 100
Absolut Absolut Apeach
Absolut Absolut Citron
Absolut Absolut Kurant
Absolut Absolut Mandrin
Absolut Absolut Pears
Absolut Absolut Peppar
Absolut Absolut Raspberri
Absolut Absolut Ruby Red
Absolut Absolut Vanilia
Absolut Absolut Vodka
Binyamina Vodka Vodka Peisachkova
Binyamina Vodka Vodka Shapovalov
Canadian Iceberg Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Citros Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Cranberi Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Cranberi Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Ohranj Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Persik Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Razberi Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Strasberi Vodka
Cocktail Jazz Cocktail Jazz Vanil Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Blueberi Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Citros Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Cranberi Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Ohranj Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Persik Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Razberi Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Strasberi Vodka
Cocktail Zvezda Cocktail Zvezda Vanil Vodka
Dundee Salted Vodka 80 Proof
Elit Elit Vodka
Forward Forward Premium Vodka
Forward Forward Vodka
Glazur Glazur Classic Vodka
Glazur Glazur Premium Vodka
Glazur Glazur Vodka
Goldenbarr Chocolate Vodka
Gubernskaya Gubernskaya Originalnaya Vodka
Gubernskaya Gubernskaya Vodka
Jelinek Plum Vodka
Kaliningradskaya Kaliningradskaya Vodka
Kaznacheyskaya Kaznacheyskaya Vodka
Kaznacheyskaya Kaznacheyskaya Gold Vodka
Kaznacheyskaya Kaznacheyskaya Luxe Vodka
Kaznacheyskaya Kaznacheyskaya Vodka
Kedem Vodka
Khrabrye Rusichi Khrabrye Rusichi Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Kremlyovskaya Apricot Flavored Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Kremlyovskaya Black Currant Flavored Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Kremlyovskaya Chocolate Flavored Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Kremlyovskaya Grapefruit Flavored Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Kremlyovskaya Plum Flavored Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Kremlyovskaya Vanilla Flavored Vodka
Kremlyovskaya Kremlyovskaya Vodka
Level Level Vodka
Mishka Citron Vodka
Mishka Orange Vodka
Mishka Vodka
Moskovskaya Imported Russian Vodka
Moskovskaya Moskovskaya Imported Russian Vodka
Nemiroff Vodka
Pravda Vodka
Proschanie-Slavyanki Proschanie Slavyanki Vodka
Saimnieka Saimnieka Vodka
Silver Creek Liquid Ice Vodka
Silver Creek Organic Grain Vodka
Speed Bar Vodka
Spirits Citron Vodka
Spirits Vodka
Spirits Vodka Mishka
Spirits Vodka Mishka Lemon
Spirits Vodka Mishka Orange
Status “Original” Vodka
Stoli Gold Vodka
Stoli Stoli Bluberi (Blueberry Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Citros (Citros Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Cranberi (Cranberry Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Ohranj (Orange Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Peachik (Peach Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Persik (Peach Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Razberi (Raspberry Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Strasberi (Strawberry Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stoli Vanil (Vanilla Flavored Vodka)
Stoli Stolichnaya Elit Vodka
Stoli Stolichnaya Imported Russia Vodka
Stolichnaya Stolichnaya Gold Vodka
Talvis Talvis Vodka
Tambovskiy Volk Tambovskiy Volk Vodka
The Metropolitan Martini Company Vodka Martini
TM Blagoff Premium Vodka
TM Khortytsa Khortytsa Vodka-Caramel
TM Khortytsa Khortytsa Vodka-Classic
TM Khortytsa Khortytsa Vodka-Wheat
TM Khortytsa Pepper Honey Hot Vodka
TM Khortytsa Platinum Vodka
TM Khortytsa Plum Vodka
TM Khortytsa Silver Cool Vodka
TM Khortytsa VIP Club Platinum Vodka
TM Khortytsa VIP Club Vodka
TM Medovukha Buckwheat Vodka
TM Medovukha Real Vodka
TM Medovukha Ukrainian Vodka
TM Medovukha Vodka-May
Velikoye Posolstvo Lux Vodka Velikoye Posolstvo Lux Vodka
Velikoye Posolstvo Lux Vodka Velikoye Posolstvo Luxe Vodka
Yikvei Zion Lemon Vodka 40%
Yikvei Zion Vodka 40%
Zlatogor “Grafska" Vodka
Zlatogor “Muskatna" Vodka
Zlatogor “Prezydentska” Vodka
Zlatogor “Pshenychna” Vodka
Zlatogor “Zlatogor" Vodka
- ANSWER:
Can one drink Scotch whiskey without Kosher supervision?
- ANSWER:
Single malt scotch may be used without concern if it was not aged in sherry casks. The permissibility of Scotch that was aged in sherry casks is the subject of differing opinions among later Poskim (Rabbinic decisors). One cannot always tell, based upon the label if a particular bottle of scotch was aged in sherry casks.
Blended Scotch – Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ZT”L ruled that blended scotch is permitted, but it is noteworthy that in issuing that ruling he also gave reasons why a “ba’al nefesh” (loosely translate as: a person who cares more for his soul than for satisfying his earthly desires) should not drink blended whiskies.
You should consult your local Orthodox Rabbi about what to do with regard to both single malt and blended scotch.
- ANSWER:
Does maple syrup require reliable Kosher certification?
- ANSWER:
If the maple syrup is 100% pure - with no additives, then there are considerable reasons to assume that it doesn’t need Kosher certification. At the same time some companies at one time used clarifiers that were not Kosher. It is our understanding that such clarifiers are no longer in use.
This is not the case with Passover, when maple syrup requires a reliable Kosher for Passover certification.
- ANSWER:
Do nuts require reliable Kosher certification?
- ANSWER:
As a general rule, raw nuts do not require certification. Oil roasted, dry roasted and seasoned nuts, in or out of the shell, require reliable certification. There nuts are often treated with gelatin or oils during processing.
Nuts are rarely affected by worms. However, one should be careful to aboid walnuts and cashews when the shells appear perforated with small holes. This may be a sign of infestation.
- ANSWER:
Do pure spices require Kosher supervision?
- ANSWER:
Pure, unblended spices, as currently processed, do not require Kosher supervision. However, blended spices, such as chili powder, do require Kosher certification.
- ANSWER:
Do flavored tobaccos, such as those used in Nargila, require Hashgacha?
- ANSWER:
Nargila tobacco, which is nicotine free, is available in numerous “flavors”. This product does not require Hashgacha when smoked, as smoking is not Halachically (by Jewish law) considered consumption, and therefore is not a kosher concern. However, the practice of smoking in general raises serious halakhic issues, and we strongly recommend consulting with your local learned Orthodox Rabbi about the issue of smoking.
- ANSWER:
Must tofu bear certification?
- ANSWER:
Tofu does require certification. While Tofu is a Soy Bean product, the issues and concerns are how the bean is converted into a tofu product.
The following tofu products are certified Kosher Parve when bearing the OU symbol:
Product Name Brand Name Label Comp
Baked Tofu Ginger Teriyaki Frieda’s Frieda’s Inc.
Baked Tofu Sesame Garlic Frieda’s Frieda’s Inc.
Banana Dessert Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Caramel Dessert Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Cheese (Tofu) Danish (Pas Yisroel, Yoshon) Bubba’s Bubba’s D/B/A Novelty Kosher
Cheese (Tofu) Danish (Pas Yisroel, Yoshon) Novelty Bakery Bubba’s D/B/A Novelty Kosher
Cheese Tofu Danish (Pas Yisroel, Yoshon) Bubba’s Bubba’s D/B/A Novelty Kosher
Cheese Tofu Danish (Pas Yisroel, Yoshon) Novelty Bakery Bubba’s D/B/A Novelty Kosher
Chinese Style Tofu Puffs Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Coconut Dessert Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Deep Fried Tofu Mandarin Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Extra Firm Herb Tofu President’s Choice President’s Choice Int’l
Extra Firm Tofu Mandarin Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Extra Firm Tofu Nutrisoya Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Extra Firm Tofu President’s Choice President’s Choice Int’l
Extra Firm Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Extra Firm Tofu Fine Herbs & Spices Nutrisoya Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Firm Tofu Mandarin Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Firm Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Flavoured Dried Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Fresh Pack Smooth Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Fried Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Fried Tofu Homemade Style Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Fried Tofu Triangles Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Ginger Dessert Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Italian Herb Super Firm Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Italian Soyganic Baked Tofu Frieda’s Frieda’s Inc.
Italian Soyganic Baked Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Key Lime Dessert Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Lemon Pepper Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Marinated Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Medium-Firm Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Medium-Firm Tofu President’s Choice President’s Choice Int’l
Medium-Firm Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Mini Cheese (Tofu) Danish (Pas Yisroel, Yoshon) Bubba’s Bubba’s D/B/A Novelty Kosher
Mini Cheese (Tofu) Danish (Pas Yisroel, Yoshon) Novelty Bakery Bubba’s D/B/A Novelty Kosher
Party Masters Vegan ( Spinach Tofu, Vegetable Medley, Wild Mushroom) Fillo Factory The Fillo Factory, Inc.
Peach Mango Dessert Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Peach Mango Dessert Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Peach Mango Tofu Dessert Frieda’s Frieda’s Inc.
Premium Soft Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Premium Tofu Natural Nutri Bio Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Premium Tofu Organic Fine Herbs Nutri Bio Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Presed Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Santa Fe Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Sesame Ginger Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Smooth Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Soft For Blending Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Soyganic Almond Tofu Dessert Frieda’s Frieda’s Inc.
Soyganic Almond Tofu Dessert Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Soyganic Extra Firm Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Soyganic Firm Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Soyganic Savoury Garden Herb Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Soyganic Soft Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Soyganic Tofu Dessert Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Sunrise Extra Firm Tofu Club Pack Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Super Firm Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Szechwan Marinated Tofu Too Good To Be True President’s Choice Int’l
Teriyaki Marinated Tofu President’s Choice President’s Choice Int’l
Teriyaki Marinated Tofu Too Good To Be True President’s Choice Int’l
Teriyaki Soyganic Baked Tofu Frieda’s Frieda’s Inc.
Teriyaki Soyganic Baked Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Thai Tango Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu Liberte Les Produits De Marque Liberte Inc.
Tofu ‘N Sauce Szechuan Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu ‘N Sauce Teriyaki Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu 2 Go-Sesame Ginger W/Mango Wasabi Sauce-175 g Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu 2 Go Thai tango W/mango Wasabi Sauce-175 g Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu Almond Dessert Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu Fine Herbs Liberte Les Produits De Marque Liberte Inc.
Tofu Puffs Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu, Pressed Mandarin Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Tofu, Soft Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Traditional Fresh Pack Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Traditional Tofu Sunrise Sunrise Markets, Inc.
Very Berry Dessert Tofu Pete’s Sunrise Markets, Inc.The following tofu products are certified Kosher Dairy when bearing the OU-D symbol:
Product Name Brand Name Label Comp
Tofu Dogs Yves Veggie Cuisine/Canadian Retail Yves Fine Foods
Tofu Dogs Yves Veggie Cuisine/USA Retail Yves Fine FoodsAs of 07/12/04
- ANSWER:
Does beer require certification?
- ANSWER:
On the general question of the Kosher status of beers, let’s begin by making this statement. The OU’s position is that all domestic and Canadian beers - except for the small ‘specialty brews’ beer companies - brew their beer in the same traditional manner. This implies that they are not adding any other problematic ingredients. As such, the OU feels that under current brewing practices, such commercial beers seemingly do not present any Kosher problems.
We’ve heard reports that some of the ‘dark’ beers brewed overseas may have grape extract added to their brew (is the word Mish or Mash?). We cannot confirm this one way or the other, thus the OU does not include non-domestic brews in their recommendation of beers.
Additionally, the new products coming in the market place, which are basically flavored beers with more alcohol content, are considered to be in a different category than regular beers. All of these products contain flavors. We needn’t remind you that flavorings require a reliable Kosher certification.
We wish to make this point: Obviously, the OU did not investigate every brewery in the world, not even every brewery in the USA. Our information was derived by meeting with many of the top brew masters and brew mavens in the USA and visiting a number of the large breweries in the USA. In speaking with these brew masters, we were able to learn much of what goes on during the brewery production. At the same time, these brew masters did not claim that they were knowledgeable about European breweries.
The following beer products are certified Kosher Parve when bearing the OU symbol:
Label Name Brand Name Label Comp
Beer Aspen Edge Coors Brewing Company
Beer Bartels The Lion Brewery, Inc.
Beer Coors Coors Brewing Company
Beer Coors Light Coors Brewing Company
Beer Coors Original Coors Brewing Company
Beer Esslinger The Lion Brewery, Inc.
Beer Extra Gold Coors Brewing Company
Beer Extra Gold Coors Brewing Company
Beer Gibbons The Lion Brewery, Inc.
Beer Keystone Coors Brewing Company
Beer Keystone Light Coors Brewing Company
Beer Killians Irish Red Coors Brewing Company
Beer Killians Irish Red Coors Brewing Company
Beer Lionshead The Lion Brewery, Inc.
Beer Winterfest Coors Brewing Company
Blue Moon Beer Belgian White Coors Brewing Company
Deluxe Pilsner Beer Lionshead The Lion Brewery, Inc.
Gold Medal Beer Stegmaier The Lion Brewery, Inc.
Light Beer Coors Coors Brewing Company
Light Beer Coors Light Coors Brewing Company
Light Beer Stegmaier The Lion Brewery, Inc.
Low Carb Cold-Filtered Light Beer Coors Edge Coors Brewing Company
Pumpkin Ale Beer Blue Moon Coors Brewing Company
Root Beer Schnapps Leroux Jim Beam Brands
Wit Beer Redhook Redhook Ale Brewery
- ANSWER:
What are the kosher concerns, if any, related to sugar?
- ANSWER:
Sugar can be derived from a cane or from a type of beet known as ‘sugar beet’. The process of making sugar from cane differs from the process of making sugar from sugar beets.
Sugar cane is a tropical plant that grows up to 10-20 feet high and looks like a bamboo stalk. A stalk of sugar cane contains between 12 to 14 % of Sucrose (the chemical name for ordinary sugar). The process of producing sugar from the cane is done in two steps, first at a sugar mill, and then at a sugar refinery.
At the sugar mills (usually located near the cane fields), the canes are washed and cut into small pieces. Big rollers then press the juice out of the cut cane. The juice is then clarified, concentrated and crystallized and is ready for refinement.
Some hundred and fifty years ago, some European Jews discovered to their shock and amazement that in the new large industrial plants that were processing sugar, it was being ‘purified’ (‘refined’ sounds better) with the aid of, of all things, animal blood.
Word of this frightening development, of course, spread throughout Europe. And soon one can well imagine that there was an outcry to ‘outlaw the use of sugar’ in Jewish homes.
The only ones that kept their heads were the Rabbinic Scholars. In a famous Responsa, the Tzemach Tzeddek, the Lubavitcher Rebbe of that time, tackled the Halachic implications of this development. Backed with numerous sources, stating he following:
Since the animal by-product was only used for filtering purposes and the final result meets the criteria that none of the animal by-product remains in the sugar, AND the entire process is done when the sugar and animal by-product are cold, then, ruled the Tzemach Tzeddek, the blood filtration process would not make the sugar unkosher.
The same concept is applied with the current mode of refining. Dried animal bones, specifically the ones used today in sugar processing, have been treated chemically so that they are beyond a classification of what constitutes ‘animal bones’. (They are certainly closer to charcoal than to ‘animal bones’) As such, we are no longer concerned about their giving the sugar a flavor; whatever taste the dried bones might possibly leak into a food is certainly not ‘a food taste’. It is a ‘taste’ that not even a dog would enjoy. Furthermore, the fact is that it takes heat to transfer taste from one food to another, and this processing is done when the sugar is cold.
- ANSWER:
- Questions about labeling and OU policies
Is lactic acid dairy or pareve? Is it possible to have a pareve item with lactic acid?
- ANSWER:
Lactic acid is pareve and is used as ingredient in numerous pareve food items.
- ANSWER:
Why does my non-dairy creamer say OU-D?
- ANSWER:
This confusing situation came about because the FDA and Halacha define “dairy” differently.
According FDA regulations only something consisting of actual milk in certain forms can be labeled dairy. Milk derivatives or milk by-products may not, according to FDA, be called dairy. Many of these so-called creamers use a lactose that is a derivative from milk.
According to Halacha, a derivative of milk is still milk, and must be labeled dairy accordingly. According to the FDA, such a product may not be labeled dairy because that would be lying to the consumer (remember, they say only milk is dairy.) To comply with FDA regulations, the company must label the product as a NON-DAIRY creamer. To comply with Halacha, this product must have a dairy designation.
For a list of Parve creamers, please email us at
- ANSWER:
What do the different OU symbols mean?
- ANSWER:
An ‘OU’ symbol indicates
The product is Kosher (but not necessarily Kosher for Passover).
The product contains neither dairy nor meat, nor any dairy or meat derivatives.
The product was not made on equipment also used for making dairy products.
The product was not made on equipment also used for making meat products.
In Kosher Lexicon, such a product is called ‘Pareve’ or sometime ‘Parve’Equipment, pots, dishes, cutlery, etc that has not been used for dairy and not for meat is also called ‘Pareve Equipment’, ‘Pareve Pots’ etc.
Pareve foods may be eaten with milk or with meat.
Pareve foods may be re-cooked in any Kosher equipment be it meat or be it dairy.An ‘OU-D’ symbol indicates:
The product is a Kosher dairy product (but not necessarily Kosher for Passover),
The product contains a dairy ingredient or a dairy derivative.
Alternatively, the product, while not containing dairy ingredients itself, was made on equipment also used for making dairy products.
Kosher laws do not permit a dairy food to eaten or cooked with meat or with foods made with meat ingredients.Kosher laws dictate that if one has just eaten meat, one must wait a prescribed time before being allowed to eat a product marked OU-D.
An OU-D product may not be reheated on or with any equipment, pot, pan, dishes, cutlery that was used for meat.
An OU-D product that had been reheated on or with any equipment, pot, pan, dishes, cutlery that was used for meat, would possibly make both the product and the utensil not Kosher.An ‘OU-M’ symbol or an OU-Glatt symbol indicates:
The product is Kosher meat or a product with meat ingredients or a derivative of meat (but not necessarily Kosher for Passover)
Alternatively, the product, while not containing meat ingredients itself, was made on equipment also used for making meat products.
Kosher laws do not permit meat or a food with meat ingredients to be eaten with or cooked with dairy or with foods made with dairy ingredients.Kosher laws dictate that if one has just eaten dairy, one does not have to wait a prescribed time before being allowed to eat a product marked OU-M or OU-Glatt.
Though it is suggested to either rinse the mouth or have a half hour wait between the dairy food and meat.An OU-M or an OU-Glatt product may not be reheated on or with any equipment, pot, pan, dishes, cutlery that was used for dairy.
An OU-M or OU-Glatt product that had been reheated on or with any equipment, pot, pan, dishes, cutlery that was used for dairy, would possibly make both the product and the utensil not Kosher.
An ‘OU-F’ symbol indicates
The product is a Kosher product with fish ingredients (but not necessarily Kosher for Passover)The product should NOT be eaten with nor cooked with meat or with foods made with meat ingredients.
It is permitted to eat an OU-F product right before or right after having meat.
OU-F products may be eaten and cooked together with Dairy foods.
While Kosher law allows cooking an OU-F product on meat equipment, it has become a custom to have a separate pot for cooking or reheating fish
Please Note the following: On products where the fish content is recognizable – either because the product is a fish or the product name includes the name of a fish (i.e. Tuna Salad) the designation might be a plain OU, as well as it might be OU-F.
In either case, Kosher laws nix on eating fish and meat together.It is in situations where the fish ingredient is not obvious, that the OU-F becomes important.
In products containing a fish ingredient, as opposed to products containing a dairy or a meat ingredient, the amount of the fish ingredient in relation to the other ingredients in the product is the determining factor whether to label the product OU-F or not. If the ratio of the quantity of other ingredients in the product to the fish ingredient is less than 60 to 1, the product is labeled OU-F. If the other ingredients are equal or greater than the Kosher mandated (60 to 1) ratio, Kosher law considers the fish ingredient to have dissipated in the other ingredient and the ‘F’ will not be assigned to the product.
This will explain why some OU certified Worcestershire sauces containing anchovies, are assigned OU-F and other brands are assigned OU. In the latter case, it is because the quantity of the anchovies in the product was small so it became dissipated.
An ‘OU-P’ indicates
The product is Pareve and Kosher for Passover as well as for year-around.An OU-D-P indicates
Product is dairy and Kosher for Passover as well as for all year round.An OU-M-P or an OU-Glatt-P indicates
Product is meat and Kosher for Passover as well as for all year round.An OU-F-P indicates
Product contains Fish and Kosher for Passover as well as for all year round.
- ANSWER:
What does OU certification on a vegetable mean?
- ANSWER:
OU certification ensures customers that the vegetables have been checked for bugs and require no further checking.
- ANSWER:
Are there any restrictions on what may be used in feedlots for Kosher cows?
- ANSWER:
To address your specific question about feedlots we must first ask: Where does the livestock used in Kosher meat come from?
The animals used for kosher meat come from the same ‘feed lots’ that non-Kosher meat comes from. As far as we know today, at this time there are no cows or sheep being raised by a Kosher Meat processor.
As such, we have no choice but to rely on federal guidelines pertaining to what may or may not be fed to animals. Currently, according to government law, animal remains are not permitted to be part of feed. A considerable number of cattle companies adhere to these rules. Especially now, when there is fear of the mad cow disease, companies that produce animal feed are much more concerned. While the FDA admits that there is not as yet 100% compliance, the numbers are constantly improving.
The most recent case of mad cow disease was discovered in an animal “that had been born before August of 1997. Prior to August of 1997, it was permitted to include cow parts in cattle feed, which is the main way that mad cow disease is though to spread through livestock.” (AP, January 2, 2004)
Is it theoretically possible for a Kosher slaughtered cow to be carrying mad cow disease?
Not having seen the innards of such a diseased cow, we can’t tell you. As you know that according to Jewish Law, every slaughtered animal must undergo a visual inspection covering major life threatening illness, but will a cow in early stages of such a disease show clear visible problems? Our unprofessional guess is NO.
Is it a problem? Very definitely. Unfortunately, financial constraints force Kosher Meat producers to cope with this problem in the same fashion as all other meat processors in this country.If you are concerned about the Mad Cow disease infecting Kosher Meat, you would be concerned in the same degree as every person living in the US should be.
If it is of any consolation, let us state the following. After slaughtering, Kosher meat is promptly treated to assure cleanliness (washing, rinsing and salting) and it seems to work well to help prevent salmonella problems.
Would there be a Kosher concern of animals being fed non-Kosher (animal) feed?
The Halachic answer is: In most instances, what animals eat have no effect on their Kosher status.
The news about Kosher poultry is somewhat more heartening. The largest provider of Kosher poultry, Empire Poultry Co. makes the claim on their website they their poultry is ‘free-range, and their care does not allow hormone or antibiotics and certainly no animal wastes. A number of other small companies raising chickens serving the Kosher market make the same claim.
On December 29, 2003 the OU issued the following statement about BSE.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONSUMER MAY HAVE ADVANTAGE IN PURCHASE OF KOSHER BEEF, ORTHODOX UNION EXPERTS ANNOUNCE, AS KOSHER SLAUGHTERED CATTLE HAVE BEEN FREE OF MAD COW DISEASE
“To this date, no kosher slaughtered cattle anywhere in the world have ever been found to have had mad cow disease,” Rabbi Menachem Genack, Rabbinic Administrator of the Kashrut (Kosher) Division of the Orthodox Union, and Rabbi Yehuda Kravitz, the Division’s specialist in meat slaughter, announced today.
“The consumer may be at an advantage by purchasing kosher slaughtered meat, since the likelihood is much less that meat from a cow slaughtered according to kosher laws will be tainted with mad cow disease,” the rabbis declared.
The Orthodox Union, with its familiar OU symbol, is the world’s largest kosher certification agency, certifying over 275,000 products produced in nearly 6,000 plants located in 68 countries around the world. Included in these plants are facilities where animals are slaughtered.
Among the reasons for the increased safety of kosher beef, Rabbis Genack and Kravitz declared, are the following:
· Kosher slaughter prohibits the use of “downers,” i.e., animals that cannot walk; the animal with mad cow disease in the current crisis was a downer cow;
· Kosher slaughter prohibits shooting or stunning the animal in the head, which may cause brain matter (where the disease resides) to be scattered to other parts of the body; whereas kosher slaughter is only done by slitting the animal’s throat, which causes blood to be drained away, thereby enhancing the chances that the disease will not be transmitted through the bloodstream.
“Until now, there has not been a single case of mad cow disease in a kosher slaughtered animal. The laws of kosher may mitigate against the possibility of the disease,” Rabbi Genack declared.
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The Orthodox Union, now in its second century of service to the Jewish community of North America and beyond, is a world leader in community and synagogue services, adult education, youth work through NCSY, political action through the IPA, and advocacy for persons with disabilities through Yachad and Our Way. Its kosher supervision label, the OU, is the world’s most recognized kosher symbol and can be found on over 275,000 products manufactured in 68 countries around the globe.
- ANSWER:
Does an OU on a product mean that it is certified Pas Yisroel as well?
- ANSWER:
The OU does not insist on ‘Pas Yisroel’ as a criteria for Kosher. (It does insist that the product does not transgress the Issur of ‘Bishul Akum’). One should assume that most OU certified products are not ‘Pas Yisroel’ unless the label would specifically state so.
A list of OU certified Pas Yisroel products is available here.
- ANSWER:
What is the OU’s policy regarding Dairy Equipment?
- ANSWER:
Allow us to state the OU’s position on products that may not list a dairy product among their ingredients but that are prepared on dairy equipment.
The OU designates such products with an ‘OU-D’ symbol and not ‘DE’ (Dairy Equipment).
Over the course of many years of Kosher supervision, our OU Mashgichim, in the course of supervising plants where dairy and non-dairy products are made on the same production line, have too many times witnessed situations where the plant did not perform an adequate cleaning of the equipment between the dairy and non-dairy production runs. (Please understand that what a plant would call ‘cleaning’ and what Halacha calls cleaning are usually not the same.) There is a high probability that residue of a dairy product run finds its way into a Pareve run. Perhaps there is ‘Shishim’, perhaps there isn’t. The OU does not permit Bitul ‘Lechatchilah’.
Viewing the problem in this light, the OU believes that our so-called Parave product should no longer classify to be labeled ‘dairy equipment’. Once actual dairy residue finds its way into the non-dairy product, the prudent and proper label should really be OU-D.
There is also another consideration for such a policy. The OU believes that the DE (dairy equipment) designation often leads to confusion. The OU designation reaches a broad spectrum of Jews, many of whom might not be familiar with the Halachic ramifications of a product with the DE status.
We get a lot of calls and letters inquiring about a particular OUD product; Is it really Dairy or is it Dairy Equipment? Were we to answer them (or to you): “Yes, currently the specific product you inquired about is not really dairy but actually is only dairy equipment”, we would still strongly advise and recommend that on account of the ‘possibility of residue’ problem that you not treat such a product as a Halachic DE.
Since the OU will be firm in its stance to consider all dairy equipment products as dairy, there now is an additional need for you to treat the product as an OU-D. Think what would happen, if you were to judge by yourself that despite the OU’s labeling a product as OUD, you would treat the product as a DE. You will thus lead yourself into a precarious situation, as we will explain.
Among the two thousand plus companies that the OU supervises, there hasn’t been a week that the OU has not been notified by some manufacturer that they wish to reformulate their product. Since the OU cannot guarantee that the formula for creating this product will remain the way it is now, were the product reformulated and a dairy ingredient added to the recipe, you would probably not become aware of this change, as the OU designation of OU D would remain the same.
- ANSWER:
What significance does the ‘trace disclaimer’ printed on many products have on the product’s Kosher status?
- ANSWER:
The trace nuts and dairy disclaimer that is now printed on many products is there to warn consumers that although there are no nuts or dairy in the ingredients of the product itself, there is a possibility of parts per millions floating in the air and ‘contaminating’ the product.
The ‘contamination’ would only affect consumers with extremely severe allergies who can detect even the most trace amounts of the substance that they are reacting to. A product that is labeled OU (and thereby certified kosher parve) is halachically (by Jewish Law) parve. The parts per million does not affect the status of a product, because parts per million are negligible and have no halachic significance.
As an example, a factory might produce dairy and parve products on two separate production lines. Nonetheless, air-born particles of milk or whey powder might float onto the parve production line. Though a person might suffer an allergic reaction, the product is still halachically parve.
Companies have been especially cautious in the past few years to publicize this information as the public’s knowledge of allergens has grown.
- ANSWER:
Does the OU mandate Bishul Yisroel for their products?
- ANSWER:
There should be no question in anyone’s mind whether the OU’s approval on a product includes a protection that no one will transgress the Issur of Bishul Akum. After all, it is a Halacha in the Shulchan Oruch.
Therefore, in good conscience, we can say that every product bearing an OU on the package that requires Bishul Yisroel is indeed Bishul Yisroel. At the same time, we state that foods that according to Halacha do not require Bishul Yisroel would probably not be Bishul Yisroel.
- ANSWER:
How is this product Kosher if it contains grape?
- ANSWER:
Aware of the potential problem with wine, grape juice, natural grape flavorings, and other grape derivatives, the OU insists that all wine and/or grape derived ingredients (note: not all wines) used in OU certified products be Mevushal. We would consider ourselves remiss in Kosher Certification if we put our seal on a product only to have it become non-kosher through handling.
So why do you remember being told that products containing grape, wine, or other grape derivatives are not Kosher?
The fact is that long ago, when people tried to ascertain the Kosher status of a product by reading the ingredients, ‘grape’ was a red flag ingredient.
Today with all the complexities of flavors, chemicals, and processing, reading an ingredient panel doesn’t get one very far. Consumers should be careful to only buy certified products to ensure that every step of the process kept the final product Kosher.
- ANSWER:
Why does the OU label sauce that contains fish OU Pareve and not OU Fish?
- ANSWER:
Since there is an anchovy ingredient in Worcestershire Sauces, one would rightly assume that as such it would prohibit eating the sauce together with meat or chicken. Thus one would be entitled to ask why the OU doesn’t label such sauces as OU-FISH instead of a plain OU.
At the OU, we certify such products as ‘OU’ and not “OU Fish” only when the recipe of a product indicates that quantity of the fish ingredient in the product is very small and that there are more than 60 times as much of other ingredients as there is of the anchovy fish. This would render the fish ingredient ‘Botel’(Halachically dissipated). Thus the product is considered as if there is no fish ingredient.
Should there not be 60 times as much, then the OU labels the sauce product as OU-Fish.
For example the Worcestershire Sauces sold by Wal-Mart, Lee & Perrins, and Shoprite are labeled OU-Fish, because the amount of anchovy in the product is too much - the anchovy does not become Botel and the sauces may NOT be used with meat.
The general policy of the OU is not to rely on Bitul (dissipation). The OU would not certify a product that has a drop of something not-kosher. Such a policy applies to the laws of ‘Issur V’heter’ (foods not permitted or permitted on a account of Kashrus).The law of not mixing meat and fish is not based on questions of Kosher but rather on the basis of Sakanah (danger to one’s health). The OU’s position is that where the Issur is based on Sakahnah and not Issur V’heter, we do rely on Bitul.
However, it is important for us to tell you and for you to be aware that there are disagreements among distinguished Rabbis, past and present, as to whether one may use the argument of ‘Bitul’ when it comes to issues where the prohibition is not on account of Kosher and Treifa but on account of ‘Sakahnah’ - hazardous or dangerous.
Some Rabbis say that one may use the concept of ‘Bitul’ only in cases of Kosher/Treifa where the non-kosher part fell into the Kosher part, there we may measure to see if there is the ratio of at least 60 to 1; but not in cases of danger or hazard - even if there were a thousand to one it would still not dissipate the ‘danger’.
However, many Rabbinic Poskim believe that there is no distinction between the two when it comes to Bitul. (The OU’s position is not to certify products where there is Bitul of a non-kosher ingredient, while, at the same time, the OU will certify a product where the hazardous ingredient did become dissipated.)
The OU does not require that ‘fish’ appear on the label when the fish component is less than 1/60th. Nonetheless, “anchovies” appears in the ingredient panel and alerts those who wish to follow the more stringent opinion that the product contains fish.
- ANSWER:
What is the OU’s policy with regard to Shmittah and Israeli produce? Does the OU rely on Heter Mechira?
- ANSWER:
The OU does not rely on the Heter Mechira, whereby land owned by Jews is sold to non-Jews in order to remove the restrictions of Shmittah. During Shmittah, the OU certifies only produce grown by gentiles or items packaged from sixth-year inventory.
- ANSWER:
- Questions about laws of Kosher
Are breakfast cereals subject to the rules of Pas Yisroel?
- ANSWER:
The determining factor as to whether a food is a tavshil (and subject to the halachos of bishul yisroel) or pas (bread and therefore and exempt) is whether one would recite the brachah hamotzi upon being koveah seudah (designated as one’s meal) on the food. In this context, breakfast cereals are considered tavshilim because they lack tzuras hapas (the shape of bread) and one would never recite the brachah hamotzi regardless of how much cereal they ate. [In addition, some cereals aren’t pas because they don’t contain any of the 5 grains]. However, breakfast cereals do not require bishul yisroel because they aren’t fit to be served at shulchan melachim (a formal dinner).
- ANSWER:
What is the proper brachah (blessing) for granola bars?
- ANSWER:
For most granola bars, the proper brachah (blessing) is Borei Pri Ha’Adamah before, and Borei Nefashoth afterward.
- ANSWER:
What is the proper brachah (blessing) on twizzlers candy?
- ANSWER:
Despite rumors to the contrary, twizzlers requires a shehakol beforehand, and a borei nefashoth afterwards.
- ANSWER:
Can one kosher glass?
- ANSWER:
On the subject of glass:
Glass has been around for a few thousand years, and thus has been argued about within the confines of Halacha over these hundreds of years. We know that wood, metal, earth ware, pottery, bone ware are porous and thus readily, under proper conditions, will absorb whatever liquid has been placed in it.
Glass however has initially been considered neither absorbent nor capable of ‘bleeding’ whatever it has in its walls into what is in it.
Rabbinical scholars kept checking on the procedures in their day of making glass and many of them have expressed doubts whether under current methods glass is the equal of the ‘glass’ of old. To many it seemed that current methods bring glass closer to that of pottery. Certainly, the glass that is fire proof (Corning ware or Pyrex for example) should be treated in the same fashion as pottery. That is it absorbs and bleeds. Thus should not be used for both dairy and meat. What’s more, like pottery and china cannot be Koshered.
But on the issue of ordinary glass, most Rabbinical authorities, while not arguing against those who cried out for a change in the ruling, decided that since the matter cannot be decided one way or the other, imposing the ‘new’ restriction for glassware was a ‘hardship’ that they did not wish to impose on the Kashruth Keeping public.
For many years, Rabbinical law permitted the use of using the same glassware (not Pyrex) for both meat and dairy provided it was washed thoroughly between uses. Current practice, considering the general affordability of glassware is no longer to be considered a serious constraint, Rabbinical authorities have urged that even glassware be used separately for dairy and for meat.
Based on the prevalent custom of separate glassware for meat and dairy, we often get a question on how to treat a situation where for instance a dairy glass was washed in a dishwasher together with meat dishes.
In the scenario of such question, we will assume the ‘unstated’ wishful thinking, namely that the glass placed in the meat dishwasher did not contain actual milk, then we can state that one has two reasons in favor of permitting the use of the glass. .
1) Glass is considered as being neither capable of absorption within its walls (and thus incapable of ‘bleeding any flavor within its walls’) and2) Even if you disagree and believe that glass is capable of absorption and bleeding, then the soap suds in the washing cycle would render any flavor stemming from the meat dishwasher ‘Pogum’ - meaning spoiled, and do the same for any flavors stemming from the glass - and spoiled flavors will not make something unkosher.
Note, we need both these reasons because each one by itself would not be a sufficient reason to permit what you would want to do.
Having said that, we still feel obligated to advise to acquire separate glassware and to avoid washing one status glass together with dishes of the other. We feel that you be strict about this simply because of the possibility that you might inadvertently place a non-clean glass (meaning where actual hardened milk or cheese is stuck to the glass) in a meat dishwasher, which can cause serious Kashruth problems.
Can one Kasher glass? Yes - A procedure know as Milui V’Iruv - exists. The procedure is simple but the issues are complex. Please speak with your local Orthodox Rabbi for directions on how to Kasher glass.
- ANSWER:
Which materials may not be kashered via hag’alah (boiling water)?
- ANSWER:
Bricks, ceramic, China, concrete/cement, Correlle, Duralex, fiberglass, glass, porcelain, porcelain enamel and Pyrex.
- ANSWER:
Which materials may be kashered via hag’alah (boiling water)?
- ANSWER:
Fabric, Formica, granite, marble, metal (all), plastic, rubber/latex (natural or synthetic), Teflon and wood.
- ANSWER:
How is cheese made, and why does it need a Hachsher if all milk is Kosher?
- ANSWER:
The laws of Kosher as they pertain to cheeses are complex and prevent many mass producing cheese companies from becoming kosher. Below we’ve included a discussion of the issues involved in making cheese kosher. The discussion pertains to ‘hard’ cheese (which we are assuming you are asking about) and not about soft, spreadable or acid set cheeses such as cottage, cream and farmers cheese.
Rennet
How does one make cheese?Hard cheese is made by souring (fermenting) the milk to impart the desired flavor then curdling the casein fraction of the milk.
Historically, milk was curdled by using an enzyme called rennin, an enzyme which affects protein (called protease) and is derived from an extract of the stomach of a suckling calf. This extract is known today as rennet.
In response to the obvious question, the Shach (Rabbi Shabsi Kohen, a great Talmudic and Halachic Scholar) in Yoreh Deiah 87: No 35 raised the question of why the use of such rennet would violate the prohibition of mixing meat and dairy, the most stringent of all of the kosher prohibitions. He gives the following explanation.
The amount of enzyme that gets into milk is so small that it becomes dissipated within the milk. (Any meat that is unintentionally added to a milk product can become dissipated if the amount of meat is less than 1/60th of the total volume of the milk product.)
But, you ask, “Is one permitted to intentionally place something not Kosher into Kosher in order to dissipate the non-Kosher?”
The answer is: No. Non-Kosher may not purposefully be dissipated into Kosher.
But our situation is not quite the same. What have we here? We have the enzyme – which by itself is Kosher (which assumes that the calf must have been slaughtered and Koshered according to the Torah law) being placed into the milk which is Kosher. Since we are dealing with only Kosher entities, one may dissipate kosher into Kosher.
[Please be aware, there are Kosher certifying agencies who permit the use of all rennets – even from non-kosher animals basing their leniency on the premise of the previously mentioned Shach – that the amount of flavor is so minute that it gets dissipated.The OU disagrees with such rulings. As we have said – dissipating Kosher into Kosher is permitted, dissipating non-kosher is NOT permitted]
More recently microbial rennet has been developed along with genetically engineered rennet. Both must be cultivated on kosher substances to be considered kosher.
However, our discussion is not done with rennet. There are special Kosher Laws that pertain to the production of cheese.
Cheeses which use rennet as the primary coagulant (e.g. Cheddar, Muenster, Mozzarella) are called rennet set cheeses and regardless of which type of rennet is being used, the cheeses are subject to special Kosher laws pertaining to cheese, known as the laws of ‘Gevinas Akum’. This Halacha states that in addition to concerns of Kosher ingredients, it is necessary that a Mashgiach (Jewish Supervisor) be present during the production of the cheese.
According to many Poskim, a Jew must place the rennet in each vat of milk. The only exception is when a Jew owns the milk where the only concerns that remain are the ingredients in the cheese. Please note that Rabbis who permit milk from any source as long as a civilized country has rules on milk production nevertheless do insist that in Cheese making there has to be a Jew present.
Regretfully, some of the so-called aged hard cheeses with a Kosher symbol, even when made with kosher rennet, are not produced with the presence of a Jew.
Some other concerns that come into play with cheeses.Cheese is usually salted. This is usually done by soaking the cheese in a salt solution called brine. Brine used for non-kosher cheeses cannot be used for Kosher cheeses. Even a fresh solution of brine would not help, as the vat would have to be koshered first.
There are ingredient problems as well. As stated above, the rennet must be kosher. Either the microbial or the animal-based rennet must have Kosher certification. The cultures used to sour the milk must be Kosher as well. In addition, some cheeses use additional enzymes to aid in the development of specific flavors called lipase. Such enzymes are generally made from animal tissue and are not kosher.
The OU supervises cheeses and approves their Kosher production on the following conditions (among others):
The cultures used to sour the milk must be Kosher.
The rennet used to coagulate the milk must be kosher.
The rennet must be added to the vat by a Jew in such instances where the milk is not owned by a Jew.
Any salting of cheeses in brine must be made in a brine vat that is used exclusively for kosher cheeses
Any additional ingredients must be Kosher.Cheese in itself can be a kosher product if it is produced according to the laws of the Torah. When you’ll see a brand marked OU-D you can be sure that the company has adhered to the standards formulated by the OU.
Cheeses that do not bear reliable certification, might possibly violate the rules of Kosher and should not be eaten.
- ANSWER:
What does Treiboring entail?
- ANSWER:
Before one can consider the washing, salting and rinsing portion of Kashering a properly slaughtered animal, your Kosher meat processor has to deal with the following three issues:
1. Removing Fat
2. Sciatic Nerve
3. Major arteriesChailev (translated as ‘animal fat’) is the subject of a number of important laws pertaining to specific masses of fats found in cattle. The Torah forbids the eating of Chailev - specific fats found in cattle, sheep or goats. The Talmud specifies the location of these forbidden fats.
1) The ‘fat of the stomachs’,
2) The fat covering the kidneys and the body cavity, covering over the hind legs or the loins, and
3) The diaphragm upon which the liver rests.As you can guess, only an experienced and knowledgeable butcher would be familiar with the specifics of this law.
Another task that is very complicated is taking out the sciatic nerve. The Torah forbade us to eat the Gid Hanoshe - the sciatic nerve. Hence, excising this nerve, which stretches from the animal’s hind legs to the spinal cord of the animals, would be a must before we would be permitted to eat the meat encompassing this nerve. (If you think removing the forbidden fats requires expertise, imagine what surgical skills are called for in removing the sciatic nerve.)
Finally, the most complicated task of all: excising the arteries. Everyone knows that drinking an animal’s blood is a gross violation of the Torah. But there seems to be blood everywhere in meat, even, it appears after a cut of meat has been washed, salted, and rinsed. Which blood is forbidden and which is allowed?
The sages have taught us that the Torah prohibits the Dam Henefesh, the ‘blood of the soul’. This has been taken to mean, among other areas, the blood that emerges after an animal’s throat has been slaughtered, and the blood pooled in the animal’s major arteries.
How is the problem of the blood in the arteries dealt with? One method of doing this would be by severing all arteries and exposing them. This would facilitate removal of the blood by soaking and salting. However, it has become traditional to remove all blood vessels completely from the neck through the shoulder and foreleg, the ribs, the brisket, the navel area, and the tongue.
Which arteries these are, and how to remove them, and how to remove the sciatic nerve, how to locate and discard the prohibited fats calls for an expertise in animal physiology, as well as for a ‘surgeon’s hand’ to deal with all these excisions. The removal of the forbidden veins and fats is a painstaking task; and the entire Koshering process requires a high degree of religious responsibility, as well as knowledge in anatomy.
Additionally, there are several organs in the intestinal area that are commonly used (i.e. liver, miltz, intestines, etc.) each requires careful removal from the carcass and is followed by a good scraping to remove all the fats, membranes and cords.
It has become traditional in most of the Western world to limit the use of Kosher meat to those parts of the animal that are in the respiratory areas of the animal (front quarter), which extends to the twelfth rib, at which point the carcass is split off, with the ‘hind quarter’ of the animal going for sale to non-Jews.The reason for this is simple. The area requiring most of the complicated work is in the hind quarter, and because it is so labor intensive, along with the shortage of experts in this field, the kosher meat processing company decides not to bother with the hind quarter at all, eliminating the need and the expense for the extremely tedious process of excising the forbidden Chailev in the hindquarter, the major arteries, and the gid hanoshe (sciatic nerve). This is only exacerbated by gentile meat markets that would take the entire hindquarter off his hands at a bargain price.
In Israel, probably because they don’t have whom to sell the hindquarters to, skilled Orthodox butchers do remove the forbidden parts and only reject certain cuts of the animal (known in the non-Kosher world as fillet mignon) where removal of the veins is too difficult. But the remaining meat cuts are de-veined meticulously, and are thus permitted to be eaten.
To conclude: Technically, the only forbidden parts of a cow would be specific fats, membranes, cords, veins, blood and the Gid Hanoshe.
Given that broad a range, one would technically be permitted to eat any cut of meat when its forbidden parts have been excised. In practice however, in the USA, no meat from the animal’s hindquarters is sold as Kosher.
If you could find Kosher leg of lamb where the proper preparations included the excising of he forbidden parts, then such a cut would be Kosher. But you will not find them in the Kosher butcher store in the US, and you will be paying a very high price in Israel were you to try to purchase meat from below the twelfth rib.
- ANSWER:
Which cheeses are considered hard cheeses and why must one wait afterwards before eating meat?
- ANSWER:
Chazal declared that there are differences between the characteristics of meat and the characteristics of Dairy products. Meat has a higher amount of fat – and such fat doesn’t rinse away as quickly in the mouth as dairy products do. Meat stays in the oral cavity for a longer period of time because it’s less soluble and dissolves slower than dairy products. Additionally, meat is a ‘stringy’ food; little pieces of meat have a tendency to get stuck between the teeth.
Hard cheeses - those aged six months or more- have developed a consistent ‘fat’ that does not dissolve as easily as most dairy products. When a dairy product posses the same characteristics as meat, one would have to wait as long between eating cheese and meat as they normally do between meat and milk.
Cheese aged 6 months or more means the cheeses that are specifically aged for at least six months. Cheeses such as American cheese are not aged – even if the packaged product were to age in your fridge for a year it would not be considered ‘hard cheese’.
Government regulations in the USA dictate that cheese labeled with one of the following names must be aged for long enough that they are considered ‘hard’ as relates to this Halacha:
Asiago medium
Asiago old
Hard grating cheese
Parmesan & Reggiano
Romano
Sap SagoThis list is not complete because the regulations only give minimum aging times, so an individual manufacturer may choose to age a different cheese for 6 months or more.
- ANSWER:
What do the terms ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ mean in the context of Jewish Kosher laws?
- ANSWER:
In Jewish Kosher laws, the use of the terms ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ has absolutely no relation to the ‘sanitary’ connotations of either antiseptic or dirty, nor of spotlessly clean or filthy.
In actuality, these attributes of clean and unclean are not to be found in the Bible. Instead our interpretation of the classifications of the Hebraic words ‘Tahur’ and ‘Tomei’ is closer to ‘Pure’ and its opposite ‘unpure’. Unfortunately, somewhere down the line these terms were mistranslated as clean or not-clean.
Even the categories of pure and impure have different meanings. In language, pure means unadulterated; in Biblical terms ‘pure’ and ‘impure’ mean entirely different things because it refers to a spiritual level. Something ‘impure’ can, in certain instances, contaminate the ‘pure’ in cases where, for example, they are both ‘under the same tent’.
- ANSWER:
- Questions about checking fruits and vegetables
Do I need to check OU certified dates or figs?
- ANSWER:
The OU is of the position that before eating OU certified dried figs or dates one must open them up to make sure that there are no bugs inside. The OU certifies such fruits (as being free of any issues of tevel) assuming that the consumer will open them and look for bugs since this is the normal way of eating them.
- ANSWER:
Do frozen vegetables and fruit require certification?
- ANSWER:
Frozen Vegetables that require inspection or an acceptable Kosher certification:
Vegetables
· Frozen artichokes hearts without a reliable certification should not be used.
· Frozen asparagus.
· Frozen broccoli, florets, spears or whole (Chopped broccoli should not be used).
· Frozen brussels sprouts.
· Frozen cauliflower.
· Frozen edible flowers.
· Frozen herbs such as cilantro, flat leaf parsley, basil, bay leaves, dill, mint, radicchio, rosemary, sage, tarragon, etc.
· Frozen lettuce - open leaf - such as boston, chicory, green leaf, red leaf, romaine, watercress, etc.
· Frozen scallions.
· Frozen spinach.Frozen Vegetables that do not Require Inspection for Insect Infestation
Would frozen beets, corn, potatoes, etc., require a Kosher supervision?
Frozen Vegetables
When packed without any combinations of other foods and the ingredient panel confirm that the package is free of additives, colorings, etc., then certain kinds of frozen vegetables would be permitted without any Kosher supervision.
Frozen Vegetables differ from canned products since the latter may be ‘cooked’ in equipment possibly used for non-kosher products as well. In the United States, frozen vegetables are processed first with steam heat, each package in their own plastic container. By removing the concern of heating the vegetable in a non-kosher vat, one may consider that frozen vegetables such as peas, carrots, lima beans, string beans, and okra would not require Kosher certification.
However, there are exceptions that you must note:
1. Frozen Vegetables: French-fries and other potato products may be pre-cooked in non-kosher oils and thus require proper certification. Frozen vegetables packed in a sauce require certification.
2. Fully cooked frozen vegetables such as winter squash are not acceptable without proper certification.A word about Frozen Vegetables vis-à-vis ‘Bishul Akum’.
This little thought-about Kosher law is the prohibition that disqualifies certain specific food products if they were ‘cooked’ by a gentile. Among the circumstances that would exclude a food product from being included in this prohibition are:
· Foods where the fire in the stove or in the oven was lit by a Jew, but the gentile put the pot on the fire or in the oven.
· Foods that can be eaten raw.
· Foods that are only partially cooked.
· Foods that would not be served for a special person (Shulchan Melachim)Some Rabbinical opinions state that food heated by steam heat are not considered to have been ‘cooked by a gentile’. Not everyone agrees. We will proceed on the assumption that steam heat is considered cooking.
The Bishul Akum status of a number of vegetables has recently been reviewed and the following decisions have been rendered:
There is a concern of Bishul Akum on:
· Artichokes
· Asparagus
· Butternut squash
· Eggplant
· Patty-pan squash
· Pumpkin
· Sweet potatoThere is no concern of Bishul Akum on:
· Beets (they are eaten raw as a component of Horseradish, ‘Chrain’)
· Water chestnuts
· Zucchini (it is edible raw)1. Are beans (pinto, lima, kidney, pink, navy) served at Shulchan Melachim? Answer: No
2. Are peas (green, split, chick peas) served at Shulchan Melachim? Answer: No
3. Are lentils served at Shulchan Melachim? Answer: No
4. Is there a difference whether the beans are frozen or not? Answer: NoRav Belsky said that unless one can prove that eating habits have changed, we would accept Rema’s ruling as fact. In addition, he said:
1. It has always been the rule that poor people ate beans and wealthy people ate meat (see for example Gemara, Shabbos 140b) and this has not changed considerably. Some salads contain a few beans for color but one does not serve a bowl of beans or even bean/split pea/lentil soup at ‘Shulchan Melachim’.
2. Green peas are served at ‘Shulchan Melachim’ but there is no concern of ‘Bishul Akum’ because they are packed while they are still fresh. Split peas and chickpeas are not served at ‘Shulchan Melachim’ (see # 1). One could argue that chumus is served at ‘Shulchan Melachim’. However, since the chickpeas are not fit for ‘Shulchan Melachim’ when they are cooked, they do not become forbidden when they are later ground into chumus.
3. Lentils are surely not served at ‘Shulchan Melachim’.
4. Artichokes: There is a concern of ‘Bishul Akum’ on artichokes from Spain and California but not on artichokes from Egypt.
While we have already indicated that the scope of this answer does not include vegetables that need inspection for insect infestation, we feel it necessary to stress the following:
· Vegetables such as frozen asparagus and broccoli spears would require inspection.
· Frozen cauliflower should be visually checked for obvious signs of infestation but requires no further checking unless insects are found.
· Chopped broccoli and spinach, either chopped or whole (and without a reliable Kosher certification) cannot be used, without Kosher certification, because of the difficulty of checking them properlyFrozen Fruits That Require Inspection For Insect Infestation
Frozen Fruits, with the exception of berries, that are ‘packaged’ in the US, and the ingredient list indicate that the product is not packed in grape juice, and is free of colorings, natural or artificial flavors, and of any additives, and not originating from Israel, may be used even without Kosher certification.
We caution you about fruit cocktails, fruit drinks, fruit mixes. These usually contain additives that may be not kosher (like natural or artificial flavors or colorings), and therefore would require a Kosher supervision.
With the exceptions listed below, frozen fruits do not have insect infestation concerns. However:
· Frozen blackberries need inspection.
· Frozen raspberries need inspection.However, we must be aware that, in the high-tech world of food technology, processing techniques constantly change. The information provided above is subject to change at any time.
- ANSWER:
How should open leaf lettuce be checked for bugs?
- ANSWER:
Lettuce, Open Leaf
DESCRIPTION: Bib, Bok Choy, Boston, Butter Lettuce, Chicory, Chinese Lettuce (Napa), Green Leaf, Red Leaf, Romaine, and Watercress all grow in a similar fashion. As they sprout forth from the ground, the leaves begin to open up like a flower. Toward the end of their growth they begin to close around the stalk.
INFESTATION: The insects most commonly found in open leaf lettuce are small green aphids or thrips. The leaves of the vegetable often camouflage these insects. The open structure of these vegetables allows insects to penetrate the entire head. Often, insects may be found between the innermost layers of leaves of an infested head. Therefore, each leaf must be washed and checked individually. The use of a light box for checking lettuce is extremely helpful.
Occasionally, worms may be found in burrows within the body of the leaf. Look for a narrow (1/8”) translucent burrow speckled with black dots breaking up the deep green color of the leaf. These burrows will often trap the worm within the leaf. To rid the leaf of these worms, carefully slit the bumpy part within the burrow with a sharp knife and remove the worm.
Please note: Many of these varieties feature curly leaves with many folds in which the insects tend to hide. We therefore recommend that, they be washed and checked with extreme caution.
INSPECTION:
1. Cut off the lettuce base and separate the leaves from one another.
2. Soak leaves in a solution of cold water and vegetable wash. The proper amount of vegetable wash has been added when some bubbles are observed in the water. (In the absence of vegetable wash, several drops of concentrated non-scented liquid detergent may be used. However, for health reasons, care must be taken to thoroughly rinse off the soapy solution.)
3. Agitate lettuce leaves in the soapy solution.
4. Spread each leaf, taking care to expose all its curls and crevices. Using a heavy stream of water or a power hose, remove all foreign matter and soap from both sides of each leaf. Alternatively, a vegetable brush may be used on both sides of the leaf.
5. Several leaves should be checked over a light box or under strong overhead lighting to verify that the washing procedure has been effective. Pay careful attention to the folds and crevices in the leaf where insects have been known to hold tight through several washings.
6. If it is practical, it is best to check each leaf.
7. If the manner of washing described above is impractical, each leaf must be carefully inspected.
8. In a commercial setting, a vegetable spinner is recommended. (The advantages of spin-drying are: (1) the Rabbi will not risk an electrical shock when placing the leaves on the light box; and (2) the leaves will stay fresh and moist for a longer period of time.)
Three handfuls of leaves from different areas of the bin should be checked over a light box or under direct light. Our experience has shown that if the leaves are washed properly, no insects will be found.
- ANSWER:
How should mesculun mixed lettuce be checked for bugs?
- ANSWER:
Mesculun Mix
DESCRIPTION: Mesculun Mix is a combination of various specialty lettuces with smooth surface textures such as frisee, baby oak, red oak and baby romaine, and others. Mesculun salads are often served in upscale restaurants and at catered affairs.
INFESTATION: The above-mentioned lettuces are generally infested with thrips. Infestation levels in these lettuces may vary seasonally.
INSPECTION:
1. Soak leaves in a solution of cold water and vegetable wash. The proper amount of vegetable wash has been added when some bubbles are observed in the water. (In the absence of vegetable wash, several drops of concentrated non-scented liquid detergent may be used. However, for health reasons, care must be taken to thoroughly rinse off the soapy solution.)
2. Gently agitate lettuces in the soapy water to remove all foreign matter from the leaf surface.
3. With a heavy stream of water or power hose, thoroughly rinse both sides of each leaf.
4. Several handfuls of leaves should be checked over a light box or under strong overhead light to verify that the washing procedure has been effective.
5. In a commercial setting, a vegetable spinner is recommended. (The advantages of spin drying are: (1) the Rabbi will not risk an electrical shock when placing wet leaves on the light box and (2) the leaves will stay fresh and moist for a longer period of time.)
6. Three handfuls of leaves from different areas of the bin should be checked over a light box or under direct light. Our experience has shown that if the leaves are washed properly, no insects will be found.
7. If insects are found, repeat washing procedure and check three additional handfuls.
If insects are still found after repeating the agitation process twice, the entire sample must be discarded.
- ANSWER:
How should iceberg lettuce be checked for bugs?
- ANSWER:
Lettuce, Iceberg
DESCRIPTION: Iceberg lettuce is a common ball-shaped leafy vegetable. Wrapper leaves are the 2-3 loosely attached leaves on the outside of the lettuce. These are generally not consumed and often times these leaves have been removed by the time the head reaches the consumer. Most commonly, only the tightly packed leaves that form a ball are eaten. Generally, two leaves, one from each side, will form a layer completely covering the circumference of the lettuce head.
INFESTATION: Iceberg lettuce may carry black/gray thrips and/or green aphids. Though lettuce infestation is seasonal, being more prevalent during the summer months, our research has indicated that outbreaks of infestation do occur in the winter months as well. We therefore recommend that lettuce be inspected throughout the year.
Fortunately, it has been determined that infestation is predominantly limited to the first four layers of leaves i.e. the outermost eight leaves on the head (two per layer). If these eight leaves are found to be clean, the rest of the head may be used. (Although insects have been found deeper than the fourth layer, this is uncommon.)
The above holds true for Grade A iceberg lettuce only. Inferior grades of iceberg lettuce are much more prone to infestation and are therefore not recommended.
INSPECTION:
Two methods have been developed for the inspection of iceberg lettuce:
Preferred method:
1. Detach the loose leaves ("wrapper leaves") and discard.
2. Core the lettuce and split the head in half, allowing the leaves to be peeled away more easily.
3. Peel the four outermost layers (approximately eight leaves, not including “wrapper” leaves) off the head.
4. Carefully check these eight leaves. The most practical way to c
- ANSWER:
- ANSWER:Can one purchase coffee from Starbucks or any other un-certified coffee shop?