Please be advised that Shin Gold Yaki Sushi Nori Roasted Seaweed, distributed by BNT Int'l Trading Inc, bears an unauthorized STAR-K. Corrective action is being taken.
The brands listed below are the only ones currently certified by STAR-K, and only when bearing the STAR-K symbol.
• Foodex
• Ozawa Canada
• Sushi Metzuyan
• Sweet City
• Takaokaya
Please note that these brands are produced under special supervision.
Aldi's Lunch Buddies fruit cups in grape juice (including Yellow Cling Diced Peaches, Diced Pears, and Mandarin Oranges) bear an unauthorized STAR-K. These products are being recalled.
Packages of frozen organic broccoli, distributed by Omena Organics of Omena, MI, bear an unauthorized STAR-K symbol. Product was found in Midwest markets, including Whole Foods. Corrective action is being taken.
Please be aware that Lunch Buddies brand mandarin oranges in plastic cups, sold at Aldi's, bear an unauthorized STAR-K. This product contains grape juice of unknown origin and should not be used. Corrective action is being taken.
Please note that Zeh Arak of Brooklyn, NY, producers of flavored arak, is not currently certified by STAR-K, and has not been under STAR-K certification since April 2021.
Please be advised that Maui Farms Fruit Cocktail in Natural Juice, packed in #10 cans, bears an unauthorized STAR-K symbol. Corrective action is being taken.
Please be advised that Moo Moo Cows, located in Federal Hill at 926 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland, is not and has never been certified by STAR-D Kosher Dairy Certification. Corrective action is being taken to have the STAR-D symbol removed from their advertising.
Consumers are advised that Metamucil has a product on the market that contains collagen, which is a non-kosher ingredient. This product, Metamucil Fiber + Collagen Peptides, is NOT APPROVED for use.
Consumers are also advised that Metamucil Psyllium Fiber Capsules contain gelatin, a non-kosher ingredient.
While STAR-K does not certify any Metamucil products, our site previously listed 'All Powders' as being approved. That information has since been updated.
The METAMUCIL POWDERS listed below are currently APPROVED:
• Real Sugar Orange
• Real Sugar Orange Smooth
• Real Sugar Unflavored Coarse
• Sugar-Free Berry Smooth
• Sugar-Free Orange
• Sugar-Free Orange Smooth
• Sugar-Free Unflavored Smooth
We have identified an additional lot of B&G Gherkins found to contain insect infestation. The lot codes are printed on the side of the lid.
Affected lots are:
#25021 - Best By Feb 25 2023
#09031 - Best By Mar 09 2023
#24861 - Best By Jun 24 2023
#25061 - Best By Jun 25 2023 - NEWLY IDENTIFIED
These lots should not be used.
We have implemented additional oversight systems and procedures for the new harvest season. In the meantime, consumers of other lots currently on the market are advised to slice open each gherkin to check for possible infestation.
QUINOA REMINDER: STAR-K recommends that ALL quinoa be checked prior to usage, even when there is a hechsher on the package. Infestation issues arise from improper storage, which is beyond the control of any hashgacha.
Most recently, Ancient Harvest - Best by 06 29 23 - was found in the NY/NJ area to be highly infested.
Please note that effective immediately, the STAR-K certification has been terminated from the kosher stand at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, MD.
Consumers are reminded that all orders from kosher establishments delivered by third-party delivery services must be sealed with kosher markings in order to be accepted. Orders delivered without any visible kosher seal, or if the kosher seal is broken or has been noticeably tampered with, should never be accepted.
Some lots of B&G Gherkins have been found to contain insect infestation. The lot codes are printed on the side of the lid.
The affected lots identified so far are:
#25021 - Best By Feb 25 2023
#09031 - Best By Mar 09 2023
#24861 - Best By Jun 24 2023
These lots should not be used.
It is unclear at this time how many other lots may be affected. We will be sure to issue updated alerts as warranted.
In the meanwhile, consumers of other lots are advised to slice open each gherkin to check for possible infestation.
Anyone discovering infestation in a lot not referenced above is requested to immediately contact [email protected] and share the lot number and Best By information noted on the lid. Attaching a photograph would also be very helpful.
Corrective measures are being implemented to avoid this problem in the future.
There are reports in a number of cities that infestation is being found in brown rice.
Consumers are reminded that STAR-K always recommends checking brown rice for insects prior to use, regardless of the hechsher on the package. The reason for this is because brown rice is especially susceptible to becoming infested due to improper storage, which is beyond the control of the hashgacha.
Effective January 1, 2022, GE began marketing their Sabbath Mode ovens without STAR-K certification. Certified ovens purchased and delivered prior to January 1, 2022, remain certified.
Consumers seeking to purchase cooking appliances compatible with Shabbos and Yom Tov are advised to select models certified by a reliable kashrus organization.
Consumers who have questions or concerns about this issue can contact GE directly at 1-800-626-2005.
