Packages of Organic Figs, even those with reliable kosher certification, have been found to have a high rate of infestation.
STAR-K recommends checking ALL figs, even those bearing a reliable certification.
TO PROPERLY CHECK FIGS: open each fig and carefully inspect the interior for any insects like wasps, beetles or worms. If any are found, discard the entire fruit.
Recent findings are showing high levels of infestation on the exterior of bell peppers – of all colors and sizes (i.e., both regular and mini). The main area of infestation is around the stem.
While research into this issue is ongoing, we recommend that consumers wash and scrub the pepper by hand or with a vegetable brush under a strong stream of water, and then remove the stem with some of the surrounding area.
Peppers should not be cooked or eaten whole with the stem still attached.
Please be advised that Kuli Kuli Foods of Oakland, CA, has circulated an unauthorized STAR-K Letter of Certification on moringa products to its wholesale customers. Kuli Kuli has never been certified by STAR-K.
Corrective action is being taken.
Please be advised that cans of Shahia Stuffed Vine Leaves, produced in Turkey and distributed by Lipari Foods with a production code after 4/30/2020, bear an unauthorized STAR-K symbol. Corrective action is being taken.
Please note that effective December 2022, STAR-K changed the status of the entire line of Ceres 100% Juice from "STAR-K Kosher for Passover" to STAR-K for year-round use only. This was due to a change in a processing aid used by the manufacturer that does not meet STAR-K's standards for Pesach.
Consumers who find containers of Ceres Juice on store shelves bearing a STAR-K P symbol should note that while these items are no longer certified Kosher for Passover according to STAR-K standards, they are halachically Kosher for Pesach.
New productions of Ceres Juice will bear only a STAR-K symbol.
Please be advised that Cosmo's brand Pitted Oil Cured Olives, produced in Morocco, bear an unauthorized STAR-K symbol and are not certified by STAR-K.
Corrective action is being taken.
It has come to STAR-K's attention that there is a potential halachic issue with some Wolf cooktops that have the auto-ignite feature.
When a burner is on, opening or closing a drawer or cabinet door near the cooktop might extinguish the burner flame, which will automatically reignite.
The manufacturer has informed us that this poses no safety concern, as the flame comes back right away. However, this does present a halachic concern for Shabbos and Yom Tov.
STAR-K advises consumers to conduct the following test on a weekday:
• Observe the cooktop under normal cooking conditions while opening and closing drawers and cabinet doors in the vicinity of the cooktop.
• Verify that the burner remains on without interruption.
If testing indicates that opening or shutting a particular door or drawer does cause the burner to extinguish and reignite, that drawer should not be opened or closed on Shabbos and Yom Tov when the burner is on.
It is recommended that these doors or drawers be taped down before Shabbos and Yom Tov if the burner will be left on.
The following products sold by Garden of Life of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with the specified lot numbers and expiration dates, bear an unauthorized STAR-K symbol and contain a non-kosher ingredient.
Garden of Life: MyKind Organics Women's Multi 40+ Tablets:
Bobo Nuts brand Sour Cream Onion Cashews, produced by Afro Turco Foods in Turkey and sold in Turkey, bear an unauthorized STAR-K symbol and are not kosher certified. The product contains dairy.
Corrective action is being taken.
Plantation Candies of Telford, PA, under the certification of STAR-K and previously under Rabbi Kaplinsky, has had its certification revoked effective immediately due to kashrus violations.
ALL products manufactured by Plantation Candies, even when bearing either a STAR-K or Kaplinksy kosher symbol, should be considered NOT KOSHER.
Corrective action is being taken.
