Alerts

BROWN RICE sold in the Northeastern USA has been found to be infested due to issues in the distribution chain and storage. According to our continued research, this issue is more widespread than previously thought. Affected batches were found in markets from NY to Maryland.
Our research is ongoing and we will issue updates as warranted. In the interim, we are recommending that consumers in the affected areas check all brown rice prior to use, using the following procedure:
• Place brown rice in a fine mesh strainer. Shake for 25-30 seconds over a light box or white paper. • Examine the surface of the lightbox or paper under a strong light for any insect presence. Our research identified weevils as the most common insects.
QUINOA has also been found nationwide to be infested for the same reason as brown rice. Quinoa in general seems to be more susceptible to infestation than other similar grains. The problem was mainly found in quinoa that had been stored for over a year (i.e., it had been packed more than a year prior). Quinoa packed within the year was generally not infested.
However, due to differences in each company's date coding, we are recommending that all quinoa be checked prior to use, in the same manner as for brown rice above. Booklice and mites seem to be the most common insects being found in quinoa.
Click for a video demonstration for checking brown rice and quinoa.
BARLEY (particularly Yoshon brands) continues to have consistent issues with infestation. Therefore, we are now recommending that all barley be checked prior to use by soaking in water for 10-15 minutes prior to use. If there are insects present, you will see them floating in the water. For barley checking instructions, click here.

Please be advised that bags of Ancient Harvest brand white quinoa with the bag code Best By 05/22/21 7NI, being sold in NY/NJ area stores, have been found to be infested. Our research indicates that the issue originated at a distributor which was out of Ancient Harvest's control.
This alert does not apply to other bag codes or in areas outside of New York and New Jersey.

At this time of year when many of us are using figs, dates and leeks, this is a reminder to check these items properly:
DATES: It is recommended that one open and do a visual inspection on a few out of each container. If no insects can be seen, one can assume the rest are insect-free.
FIGS: Open each one and check carefully for infestation (typically wasps, beetles or worms).
Checking instructions for dates and figs apply even if they have a hechsher, due to the possibility of improper storage.
LEEKS: Examine the outside for any leaf miner trails. Check in between the leaves for thrips or other insects.
BLACK EYED PEAS: Dried peas should first be boiled in water. After they have been fully cooked, allow the peas to soak in the water for 2-3 hours. The peas will then swell and the peel will become translucent.

Canned or frozen peas may be checked straight out of the can/bag; there is no need to boil or soak.
To check, take the peas and inspect for holes or dark-colored stains as this may indicate an insect beneath the thin peel. If there is a dark spot on the peel, remove the thin skin and check if there is a cavity with a bug in it. (The black "eye" spot is not a sign of infestation. Similarly, orange colored stains on the surface are not signs of infestation; only dark or black stains are of concern.)

Salad mix bags of iceberg lettuce from Lancaster Foods, Jessup, MD, packed in 5 pound bags, have been mistakenly labeled with a STAR-K symbol. The product is not certified and must be checked before
Corrective action is being taken.

SAFIR CANNED TOMATOES WITH TOMATO JUICE AND BASIL, a product of Tunisia, bear an unauthorized STAR-K sticker.
Corrective action is being taken.

Corn on the Cob: Peel and rinse each piece prior to use. We recommend that you do not grill the entire ear with the husk still on.
Figs: We recommend opening the figs and doing a careful inspection for insects, including wasps, beetles and worms. Keep in mind that they often turn the same color as their surroundings due to the texture and consistency of the figs. Note that Turkish figs, in particular, are often highly infested and require very careful inspection. This is recommended even if the Turkish figs bear a STAR-K symbol.
Please see our full guidelines with pictures at www.checkforinsects.com
Pick your own fruits and vegetables: This has become a very popular and attractive summer activity. Please note that pick-your-own crops are similar to organic in that they are generally treated with less pesticides than conventional fields. As such, infestation levels in insect-prone items, e.g., strawberries, are usually much higher than conventional crops. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when washing these strawberries. We do not recommend blueberry picking.
Slurpees: See our updated Kosher Slurpee list here or on our app.
Tune in to our pre-summer webinar this coming Tuesday, July 2, 12:00 p.m., where we will discuss many summer related topics, including Slurpees and sodas. Special guest - frum owner of a 7-11 will join our discussion. www.star-k.org/telekosher

For these models of wall ovens, we recommend not placing both ovens into Sabbath Mode. To ensure proper functioning, select the Sabbath Mode feature for only the ONE oven you will use on Yom Tov (or on Shabbos as permitted halachically). Until further notice, do not use the other oven on Yom Tov or Shabbos.
The manufacturer is working on a fix. If you own any of these models, please email your model number, serial number and contact information to [email protected] so they can notify you when the fix is available.

Please be advised that with the introduction of dairy products on their pareve lines, some Joy Cone products are now certified STAR-D Dairy and will be labeled STAR-D.
The STAR-D Dairy symbol appearing on the labels of: Sugar Cones, Waffle Cones, Waffle Bowls and Pretzel Cones, is an indication that they were produced on Dairy Non-Cholov Yisroel equipment. The formulas for these products have not changed.
Joy brand Cake Cones and Gluten Free Cake Cones will remain STAR-K certified Pareve.
Please check each product carefully to confirm its status.

Clarification: Pesach Guides including Star-K/Rabbi Bess Lists, indicate that NatureMade Melatonin is chometz free. Please note that this refers only to NatureMade Melatonin Swallow Tablets. Naturemade also makes a product called “VitaMelts Sleep” made with melatonin. The VitaMelts Sleep contains chometz and should not be used on Pesach.

Please note that Zhejiang Zhongda Technical, Zhejiang, China, has forged a STAR-K LOC for its products. The STAR-K does not certify this facility.

Please note that the status of all products from Umalaxmi Organics Pvt. Ltd. and Tribal Medicinals, based in India, have changed from Pareve to Dairy. The products are certified STAR-D, dairy, non-Cholov Yisroel.
These products are sold wholesale and are not available to the retail consumer.

Please note that Supreem Pharmaceuticals Mysore Pvt. Ltd., India, has been terminated for Kashrus violations.
This company sells wholesale herbal extracts and vitamin components.

French Kosher Bakery located at 579D Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck, NY, is no longer STAR-K certified.

Please note that Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock Beer will now be certified STAR-D DAIRY and will bear the STAR-D symbol. Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock Beer bearing old labels do not bear any symbol and are dairy. The beer contains dairy ingredients and should not be consumed with meat or after eating meat. Chocolate Bock is currently included in a Samuel Adams multi flavor pack which contains other STAR-K certified beers which are Pareve. The full list of currently certified Samuel Adams beers is available HERE