September 19, 2024 At the present time the following Oreo Sandwich Cookies do not contain dairy ingredients, although they are manufactured on dairy equipment: Chocolate Oreo Sandwich Cookies Dark Chocolate Oreo Sandwich Cookies Gluten Free Double Stuff Oreo Gluten Free Mint Flavor Oreo Gluten Free Oreo Golden Oreo Double Stuf Sandwich Cookies Golden Oreo Mega […]
To answer we have to start from the beginning. The Torah says in Devarim (Chapter 15, verses 1-2) “at the end of seven years…every creditor should release his authority over what he lent his friend.” The observance of Shemittah is not only resting the land of Israel, but also forgiving all debts. Any loan not […]
As with any food, all of the ingredients in the cheese as well as the equipment used during the manufacturing process must be kosher. However, a special prohibition makes kosher certification of cheese a bit more challenging: the ban on gevinat akum, which means that cheese not made under special rabbinical supervision is not kosher.
The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 29b, 35a-35b) states that the sages of the Mishnaic period forbade eating cheese manufactured by non-Jews. Although the Talmud offers various reasons for this prohibition, most halachic authorities maintain that the ban was made because of the use of rennet in cheese making. Since rennet was traditionally derived from the lining […]
A product containing a minuscule amount of a non-kosher ingredient is often regarded as kosher, as the non-kosher substance is batel, or nullified. However, rennet used in hard cheese cannot be batel because of the halachic axiom that a non-kosher ingredient that gives a product its form—called a davar hama’amid—is never nullified (Yoreh Deah 87:11). […]
In today’s world of advanced food technology, much of the rennet used is microbial, that is, artificial. Nevertheless, mainstream halachic literature posits that Chazal banned all cheese made without onsite rabbinical supervison, irrespective of the presence of animal rennet, as a precaution against the consumption of actual non-kosher animal rennetbased cheese (Rambam, Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 3:14 […]
Some halachic authorities rule that to satisfy the gevinat Yisrael requirement, a rabbinical supervisor must be present to supervise the cheese making and ensure that only kosher rennet is used; others hold that a rabbinical supervisor must personally add the rennet (similar to “bishul Yisrael ” and “pat Yisrael,” which are satisfied only if the […]
This, too, is a point of dispute. Some halachic authorities maintain that gevinat Yisrael applies to all cheeses. Others contend that only cheeses with rennet are subject to this rule. The OU and most of the other kosher certifying agencies adopt the latter position, and on-site full-time supervision is thus not required for acid-set cheeses. […]
The cost of sending rabbinic field representatives to far-flung places to supervise hard-cheese production for days on end is significant. Kosher cheese manufacturers will naturally need to charge more for their products to cover the costs involved. Furthermore, nearly all domestic and European hard-cheese plants are non-kosher when not doing special kosher cheese productions. These […]
The Torah prohibitions against chametz are unique, in that a Jew is not only prohibited from consuming and deriving benefit from chametz (fermented wheat, spelt, oat, rye and barley) during Pesach, but he is even restricted in owning it because of the injunction of “ba’al yairo’eh uba’al yimotze” (literally, chametz “may not be seen or […]
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986; Iggerot Moshe, EH 1:7) discusses whether it is permissible to buy shares in a company that operates on Shabbos. Rav Moshe posits that a minor shareholder is not considered a halachic owner of the business. However, if one owns enough stock that the management reckons with his opinion, the Jewish shareholder […]
There are private lists available that circulate around Pesach time with basic information, but it is best to check with your local rabbi. If he is in doubt, he can call the Orthodox Union (OU) or another major kashrut organization that has access to this information.
Bread, cookies, cake, pretzels, blintzes, cereals and other foods that contain any of the five primary grains (oat, wheat, spelt, rye and barley) are included. Interestingly, even flour is problematic because wheat is tempered in water before milling, and flour has the status of chametz. Whiskey, beer and other alcoholic beverages distilled from grain also […]
Jews of Ashkenazic descent refrain from eating kitniyot (legumes, such as corn, rice, beans, et cetera) during Pesach. However, this is a tradition that evolved in the last millennium, and these foods are not actual chametz. As such, chametz sheavar alav haPesach does not apply to kitniyot, and these items may be purchased in any […]
Surprisingly, the answer is the classical rabbinic response: “It depends.” Vinegar is manufactured from fermented alcohol, and there are various sources of alcohol. In the United States, most vinegar and alcohol is corn-derived (corn is kitniyot), and chametz sheavar alav haPesach does not apply. In contrast, in Europe, the majority of alcohol is derived from […]
When I was a child, it was customary to wait until Shavuot, which is six weeks after the conclusion of Pesach. This date was a “guesstimate” of how long it would take for the stock of chametz that had been in the store during Pesach to be depleted. Today, it is generally assumed that the […]
Indeed, this is exactly what takes place. In fact, some rabbis arrange to sell not only individual stores but also entire supermarket chains. However, this process is not without controversy, as it appears on the surface to be nothing more than a subterfuge. After all, some supermarkets are open on Pesach, conducting business as usual, […]
The arguments cited above against selling supermarkets to non-Jews for Pesach lead us to fundamental questions about the propriety of the general sale of chametz as well. To highlight this point, consider the following: For the past twenty years, I have had the unique honor of arranging the sale of chametz for all Jewish-owned companies […]
Good question. Many posekim fundamentally oppose the sale of Jewish-owned businesses that sell chametz on Pesach. In stark contrast to the mechirat chametz of a halachically observant Jew, the sale of a supermarket that is fully open for business on Pesach lacks the aura of respectability. The seller is clearly not sincere about the sale. […]
OU companies that are Jewish owned are not permitted to manufacture or distribute chametz during Pesach. When the OU enters into a new contract with a Jewish company, we make this policy clear at the outset.
Rabbi Pinchas M. Teitz (1908-1995), the rabbi of Elizabeth, New Jersey, for many years, took the initiative to arrange the sale of chametz for a number of large supermarket chains. About twenty-five years ago, I asked Rabbi Teitz why the sale was effective when the stores continued to acquire chametz on Pesach. Rabbi Teitz, who […]
For two reasons. First, the sale of a supermarket is halachically beneficial for the storeowners. By transferring ownership of large quantities of chametz that are on the supermarket shelves before Pesach, the owners are spared from violating multiple Torah restrictions. Second, the sale limits the status of chametz sheavar alav haPesach to the narrow window […]
Yes, it is true. In fact, when this happened, many rabbis gave a sigh of relief, as we thought that matters had been simplified—and one could buy chametz after Pesach in all those supermarkets. But not so! Shortly thereafter we learned that the largest distributor of food items on the East Coast, which distributes products […]
Halachah is not monolithic and rabbinic disputes abound. Jews have always turned to their rabbis for guidance and assistance when there are conflicting halachic opinions. For the reasons outlined above, there is no one definitive position for where and when chametz can and cannot be purchased after Pesach. It is difficult to gather precise information […]
Here it is in a nutshell: • The sale of chametz in Jewish-owned stores that operate fully on Pesach (i.e., chametz is sold in the store) is a matter of dispute. • Even for those who assume the sale is valid, it is questionable whether the sale is effective for chametz that is acquired during […]
Due to the frequent application of glazes to raw fish, it should be purchased only with reliable kosher for Passover certification. However, Kirkland Frozen Wild Salmon is acceptable without special Passover certification after washing it off, while the Kirkland Atlantic (farm raised) Salmon is acceptable as is without special certification for Passover.
All unflavored ground coffees are acceptable for Passover use when bearing an OU. Decaffeinated coffee: Coffee is often decaffeinated by means of ethyl acetate, which is derived from either kitniyot or chometz. Therefore, decaffeinated coffees are not acceptable for Passover unless specifically marked for Passover, found in the OU Passover Guide or on oupassover.org under the heading of products certified for year-round […]
A Keurig machine may be kashered by way of hagalah or iruy. For detailed instructions please refer to pages 24-26 in the OU’s 2015 Passover Guide which can be viewed on, or downloaded from oupassover.org. Alternatively, one can find this information in an article titled ‘The Kashering Primer – Passover 2015’ located on the homepage of oupassover.org. First remove the K-cup holder […]
Unflavored, not decaffeinated ones. The OU symbol often appears on the box and not on the individual cup. As a side note, in the near future the OU symbol will start to appear on the individual cups.
Quartz counters are made of a combination of crushed quartz (stone) and resins (like plastic). One can kasher stone, and there are different opinions about kashering plastic for Pesach. To read more about kashering, please visit: oukosher.org/passover/articles/kashering-for-passover/.
According to most opinions, one may lock up and sell even foods that are pure chometz. Some have the custom not to sell food that is pure chometz. This is because the sale involves complex halachic issues, and it is difficult to fulfill the requirements in a way that satisfies all opinions. One may be […]
If pots were sold, they would need to be immersed again after Passover when they are reacquired. The custom, therefore, is to sell any chometz that remains in the pots.
One should notify the rabbi who is selling the chometz. The rabbi will then be able to schedule the sale and repurchase of the chometz to accommodate the time difference.
Raw nuts in their shell do not require Passover certification. Shelled nuts that list BHA or BHT (preservatives) in the ingredients require special Passover certification. Please note that different communities have different customs regarding peanuts. Some consider them to be kitniyot; while others eat peanuts on Passover.
Extra virgin olive oil is Kosher for Passover, as long as it bears the OU symbol. All other oils require Kosher for Passover certification to be consumed on Passover.
Most infant formulas are made from soy products which are kitniyot. Since kitniyot does not apply to infants most formulas may be used on Passover. For a list of acceptable formulas please visit oukosher.org/passover/articles/baby-formula/. Please note that care should be taken to keep bottles, nipples and formula away from the general kitchen area. Any mixing or washing should be […]
Almond and soy milk may be problematic and are not recommended for use on Passover. If a situation arises and it is needed by an infant or an infirm person, please see pages 100-101 in the OU Passover Guide or at oupassover.org under the site’s general Passover FAQ tab for a list of products that […]
It is customary not to serve meat or fowl which has been roasted, broiled, or pot roasted (tzli keder) at either of the two sedarim. Meat that was boiled in water which completely evaporated during the cooking process is an exception according to some. Fried meat does not fall into the above categories of cooking […]
The fast begins when one goes to sleep at night, unless one plans to wake up early to eat before the fast begins. If one planned to wake up early, he can eat until a lot ha’shachar (dawn) [1] which is 72 minutes before sunrise. The fast ends at tzeit ha’kochavim, nightfall. (There are different opinions regarding […]
When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, there was an obligation in the month of Adar for every adult male to contribute a half-shekel coin toward the purchase of the upcoming yearly communal offerings. Today, as a remembrance of those coins, a machtzit hashekel (half dollar coin) is given to charity. Since the word “shekel” is […]
The mitzvah to eat a seudah on Purim is specifically in the day. However, it is proper to eat a partial seudah at night as well [1], and it is customary to eat seeds or grains on Purim night to remember the difficulty that Esther had in eating kosher when she was in the palace […]
The Megillah can be read anytime during the day of Purim, from sunrise until sunset [1]; however, to show our enthusiasm for the mitzvah it is proper to read the Megillah as early as possible. In cases of pressing need, one can read the Megillah from alos hashachar (dawn, 72 minutes before sunrise), but it […]
Yes. However, there is an opinion that if one already davened Ma’ariv, then they should no longer recite Al Hanisim in bentching. Therefore, to avoid this question, it is proper to bentch before davening Ma’ariv. (Mishnah Berurah O.C. 695:16)
Both men and women are required to fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot. One must send two different portions of food or drink to at least one other Jew. The foods should be ready to eat items (e.g. not raw chicken, meat or fish) that one would typically serve at the Purim seudah. The items […]
Everyone is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot, including one who is in mourning. However, because these gift baskets are associated with an extra happiness, which is an unfitting display for one who is in mourning, the mishloach manot should be scaled back to the minimum. The mourner should send only one package […]
Every Jew is obligated to give gifts to two needy individuals. All men, women and children over the age of bar mitzvah are obligated in this mitzvah, even if they do not have their own income, and even if they themselves would qualify to receive these gifts [1]. It has become customary for rabbis and other […]
While there are different halachic opinions regarding drinking on Purim, clearly, the safety of you and those around you takes precedence. One should exercise proper discretion. The OU does not condone underage drinking. Furthermore, excessive drinking is inappropriate. One must be vigilant in preventing any trace of chilul Hashem from inappropriate behavior on Purim.
The sukkah should not be located in an area that has a bad smell1. It cannot be placed under a tree or awning. It should preferably be built on a patio, deck or driveway and not on the grass2. _____________ 1. Mishna Berurah 630:4 2. Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 336:3)
A kosher sukkah must have at least 3 walls, and each wall must have a minimum length of 28 inches (7 tefachim x 7 tefachim)3. The walls of the sukkah must extend at least 40 inches high4, and the walls may not be suspended more than 9 inches above the ground5 (this is a common […]
The walls of a sukkah should be tied tight so they do not move with the wind6. If this cannot be done, then one should install a series of tight belts or ropes that will not blow in the wind that wrap around the sukkah. The first belt is placed within 9 inches of the […]
Years ago, “putting up schach” referred to the tedious process of placing hundreds of single stalks of bamboo or lath across the top of one’s sukkah. Today, this task has been greatly simplified due to the proliferation of schach mats. However, mats that are made for sitting are not kosher for schach8. Because these mats […]
The mats should be placed on the sukkah by a Jew l’sheim mitzvah (for the purpose of the mitzvah). If it is necessary to have a non-Jew assist with the laying of the mats, a Yisroel should raise the mats slightly and lay them back down9. This may be done with a pole. ___________ 9. […]
One should not rest schach directly on metal or plastic, but rather on wooden beams placed on top of the metal poles10. If one’s mats are woven with plastic wire, they must make sure that the schach is placed perpendicular to the wooden beams; otherwise the stalks are being supported exclusively by the plastic wire. […]
Schach mats are notorious for blowing off of the sukkah. Therefore, the mats should be tied down. However, one should not tie the schach with wire or synthetic strings, but rather they should use cotton or hemp string or place heavy 2x4s on top of the schach to weigh it down.
All meals that involve bread or mezonos must be eaten in the sukkah. However, if one is only eating fruits and vegetables, or less than a k’beitza (volume of an egg) of mezonos then a sukkah is not required11. It is meritorious to eat and drink exclusively in the sukkah12. One only recites the blessing […]
Men are obligated to eat in the sukkah. Boys from the age when they can eat independent of their mothers (approximately 5-6 yrs old) are obligated to eat in the sukkah14. Foods that require a sukkah, may not be given to a child to eat out of the sukkah15. Women are not obligated to eat […]
The Gemara (Bechoros 7b) cites two opinions as to why bee’s honey is permitted. The Chachamim explain that honey is permitted because it is not a secretion. Rather, honey is the collected nectar in a different form, which is expelled from the bee. Rebbi Yaakov says that the permissibility of bee’s honey is derived from a Talmudic exegesis of […]
Clear unfiltered honey typically undergoes some rudimentary refining steps, and most likely any bee particles will have been removed. As such, it is acceptable for use without further filtration. Nonetheless, since the honey is translucent, if you spot any particles, they should be removed. Particles can be removed on Yom Tov. On Shabbat, to avoid the […]
Although there are reports of adulteration in honey, the reports have not been substantiated. Furthermore, the alleged adulterants, even if present, are kosher sweeteners. For Pesach, one should look for Passover certified honey.
Yes, honey may be used directly from a honeycomb. Since this honey would be unfiltered any noted particles should be removed (see question regarding unfiltered honey above). Extracting honey from a honeycomb involves the issur of mifarek (prohibition of extraction), therefore one should crush the honeycomb before Yom Tov or Shabbat (Mishnah Berurah, 321:48).
The minhag (custom) applies to breads, cakes, pies, pretzels and crackers. (In technical terms, it applies to all pat habo bikosnin. (For an in-depth explanation of pat habo bikosnin, see the following article https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-kosher/the-mezonos-roll-is-it-a-piece-of-cake/)
There are differing opinions as to whether Cheerios is considered pat. The OU poskim do not consider it pat, because of the size of the individual pieces and the manner in which it is made. Likewise, wheat flake cereals and wafers are not considered “bread-like” and therefore do not need to be pat Yisrael. Corn and Rice Cereals are, […]
Yes. A pie shell fits into the category of “pat ha’bah b’kisnin” (refer to The Mezonos Roll, Is it a Piece of Cake? for a definition of this term) and therefore should also be pat yisrael. However, if one purchases pie shells that are not fully baked, then they will become pat yisrael when one completes the baking process. One should […]
Yes, bread crumbs should be Pat Yisrael as well. There were poskim who were lenient regarding bread crumbs that are used for deep frying. This is because frying is a different process than baking and the deep frying is viewed as the completion of the bread crumb preparation (see Teshuvat Avnei Nezer Y.D. 100). Since […]
The OU certifies a number of Coca-Cola syrups that are used in slurpees. To purchase slurpees, it is necessary to verify two things: Is the syrup made by Coca-Cola, and is the specific syrup OU certified? Irrespective of store claims, one can only be certain that a Coca-Cola syrup is used by checking the label […]
Freestyle Machines of the Coca-Cola company enable the consumer to mix a variety of soft drink flavors to his/her own personal choice. All flavors available in the freestyle machines in the United States and Canada are products of the Coca-Cola Company. We confirm that they are all produced under the certification of the Orthodox Union […]
One must wait six hours to eat meat after eating cheese that is aged for six months or longer. The following are a few of the more popular aged cheeses that are aged for six months: Dry Monterey Jack, Cheddar (Medium, Sharp and Aged), Marble Cheese, Parmesan, and Picante Provolone. For the complete list, please […]
The Gemara (Pesachim 76b) teaches that it is a sakana (danger) to eat fish and meat together. As it is extremely difficult to clean a grill, the same grill rack should not be used for meat and fish. Either the fish should be double wrapped in aluminum foil or separate grill racks should be used.
Since food is roasted directly on the grill, the grate must be heated until it glows (libun gomur) to be properly kashered. This can be done either with a blowtorch (which should only be used by qualified and experienced individuals) or by sandwiching the grates between charcoal briquettes and setting them on fire. In addition, […]
It is possible to use a non-kosher microwave or oven by double wrapping the food item. If using a microwave, one may poke a small hole in each cover so that the steam can escape and the package will not explode.
The only practical option for hot meals on a non-kosher cruise ship is to eat certified pre-packaged meals that are double wrapped, such as those found on airplanes. These may be heated in any oven as long as the seals are intact and the package remains closed. (There are other halachic concerns that arise on a […]
First, please remember, that anyone with a life-threatening condition should take whatever medicines are necessary without hesitation. In general, tablets are preferable to liquid medications which may contain problematic ingredients. If no tablet alternative is available, the liquid should be diluted in water, juice or any liquid by a ratio of one to six, which […]
We do not feel it is appropriate or ethical for the OU to evaluate certifying agencies. We therefore recommend that you consult your local Rabbi or community kashrus agency.
For obvious reasons, microwave cooking is not discussed in the Talmud or Shulchan Aruch. Nonetheless, some contemporary poskim equate microwave cooking to the cooking process of smoking. The Shulchan Oruch (Yoreh Deah 113:13) rules that food that is smoked by a Gentile is not treated as bishul akum because the Rabbis did not prohibit unusual […]
There is a dispute among the early codifiers whether bishul akum is negated by a Jew initiating the entire cooking process (i.e. by placing the food in the oven or on the stove top, or by turning on the fire after the food is on the stove), or whether it is sufficient for the Jew […]
There is no royalty in America, but food that would be served at a state dinner or even at an upscale wedding is generally considered “served at a royal table”.
Food that most people would feel comfortable eating without cooking would fall under this category. Some common examples are water, oil, butter, jam and jelly, fruit juice (excluding grape), honey, yogurt, canned fruit, flavored drinks, milk, ice cream, banana chips, nuts, cheese, vinegar, ketchup, apple sauce and many canned vegetables (corn, string beans, peas, carrots, […]
An OU product should not be assumed to be bishul Yisrael unless so indicated on the label. In general, the halacha (Jewish Law) does not require bishul Yisrael in all circumstances. For example, foods that are eaten raw or which would not be served at a royal banquet do not require bishul Yisrael. The OU […]
An OU certified grain product should not be assumed to be pas Yisrael unless so indicated on the label. In general, the OU follows the halachic opinion that does not require pas Yisrael status. For a list of OU products that are Pas Yisrael click here
The OU does not guarantee that a product containing any of the five grains of wheat, oat, spelt, barley, or rye is yoshon, unless the word yoshon appears on the product label. In general, the OU relies on the halachic opinion that these five items do not require a yoshon status.
Dairy bread was prohibited for consumption by a Rabbinic injunction enacted over 2000 years ago. The Rabbis feared that since most bread is parve, a person might mistakenly eat dairy bread with meat products without realizing the dairy status of the bread. (Meat bread is also restricted because it may accidentally be consumed with dairy items.) There are […]
For the past 130 years, there has been a great Rabbinic debate over the propriety of selling Jewish farmland to non‐Jews to avoid the prohibitions of shmittah. Though many great Rabbis advocated in favor of this sale (known as the heter mechira), other equally great Rabbis stood in strong opposition. The OU does not rely on heter […]
Years ago, a concern was raised regarding whitefish from Winnipeg that were found to be infested with parasites. At that time, poskim ruled that this was not an issue. Recently, the question of parasites in fish has resurfaced and has become a topic of much controversy and discussion. The OU position remains that parasites found in […]
Often times, the OU appears on products which are labeled in ways that may not necessarily reflect kosher values. For example, a fish sauce may display a picture of a non‐kosher fish, the OU may appear on artificial crab or pork, or there may be a recipe for a non‐kosher food item on the label. […]
Can I drink coffee while on the road? In contrast to the response given regarding coffee prepared in a non-certified restaurant, it would be permissible to purchase a cup of coffee from a convenience store, rest stop or kiosk. This is due to the fact that the kashrus concerns noted for the restaurants are not […]
Can I drink coffee at a restaurant? It is not possible to make one universal statement about the kashrus of coffee prepared in a non-certified restaurant because each establishment is unique. Investigation has shown that theoretically, coffee served in a restaurant may be kosher even if the equipment used to prepare the coffee is washed […]
What is the difference between OU-D and OU-D Cholov Yisroel ? Milk has Cholov Yisroel status when the milking and bottling is done under the supervision of a reliable Jewish person who ensures that the milk is only coming from a kosher animal. In general, the OU follows the opinion of Rav Moshe Feinstein […]
Can I eat at a yogurt or ice cream store that claims it is certified by the OU? There are many ice cream and yogurt stores bearing the brand name of an OU certified company and/or that sell OU certified products, however the OU generally does not certify the store itself. In such instances, the […]
Why would a product that normally bears the OU symbol not bear one? There are a variety of reasons why a product may sometimes appear with an OU and sometimes without. Here are a few of those possibilities: Printing error Different sizes of the same product are made on different production lines or at facilities […]
Which produce requires checking for infestation? How do I check properly? Many fruits and vegetables are prone to infestation and require appropriate bedika (examination) before consumption. The OU has prepared a special publication, The OU Guide to Checking Fruits and Vegetables & Berries, and we recommend that you consult the guide for further direction. To […]
What is the OU’s policy with regard to Shmittah and Israeli produce? For the past 130 years, there has been a great Rabbinic debate over the propriety of selling Jewish farmland to non-Jews to avoid the prohibitions of Shmittah. Though many great Rabbis advocated in favor of this sale (known as the Heter Mechira), other […]
Is the OU in Israel different than the OU in the USA? The kashrus standards of products, food service establishments and Shechita are the same in Israel as they are in America and the rest of the world. In general, all halachic standards and policy decisions of any OU supervision are established by the OU Poskim […]
Is filtration required for New York City tap water? There are two opinions among Poskim whether or not New York City water may be used without filtration. Because this issue is a matter of dispute, we require filtration of New York City water in OU certified food service establishments.
Can you identify a kosher fish by its name? It is not possible to establish the kosher status of a fish based on the fish’s name since fish names are not used in a precise fashion. The proper way to verify the kosher status of a fish is to check for the presence of scales […]
Are grape juice and wine ingredients used in OU certified products such as mustard and fruit cups always Mevushal? OU certified products contain only OU approved ingredients. As such, wine, grape juice, grape flavor and grape derivatives in OU products are only approved in such products when they are Mevushal (cooked), so that there is […]
Since eggs are candled, do they still need to be checked for blood spots? Blood spots in fertilized eggs are prohibited, and one should check cracked eggs to make sure they are blood-free. Commercial eggs today are not fertilized and blood spots are not halachically prohibited. Nonetheless, even today, the prevailing minhag (custom) is to […]
Why are there products that list fish as an ingredient, but only bear an OU, while other fish products have “OU-Fish” on the label? Products that contain fish ingredients that exceed 1 part to 60 are labeled “OU-Fish”. If the fish ingredient is present at a ratio of 1 to 60 or less, the OU […]
Do dishwashing detergents require kosher supervision? It is generally assumed that dishwashing detergents are not edible entities, and halachically they do not have a non-kosher status, even if they contain non-kosher ingredients, as is often the case. Nonetheless, some Poskim maintain that it has been the established minhag Yisroel (Jewish custom) to use kosher detergents […]
Why are some products that bear the OU symbol not listed on www.oukosher.org? The OU website provides a search field for OU certified products. Kosher consumers are sometimes surprised when they do not find OU products on the website. In truth, not all OU certified products are recorded online, as some companies have asked that […]
Can I tell if a product is truly dairy or “DE” by checking the ingredient panel? If a product lists dairy ingredients on the ingredient pane, it is obviously dairy. Some common dairy ingredients are milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, butter, whey, lactose, casein, and caseinate. However, a product may contain a dairy ingredient that is […]
Do products certified by the OU require inspection for infestation? OU certification insures customers that frozen or processed fruits and vegetables are free of infestation at the time of packaging. Nonetheless, infestation may develop at a later time. For example, pasta, cereal, beans and figs may become infested if stored in damp locations. The consumer […]
Why does the OU give a hechsher to fresh fruits and vegetables? Many fruits and vegetables are coated with wax to protect these items and make them appear more appealing. It is possible (though not necessarily the case), that some components of the wax come from non-kosher sources. Nonetheless, in the opinion of the OU […]
Why does the OU certify products that are inherently kosher? If a company requests OU certification, the OU will certify the product even if it does not technically require supervision. From the company point of view, the OU is beneficial as a marketing tool which extends far beyond the Jewish kosher consumer, as many people […]
What does OU-D mean on milk? OU certified milk is not Cholov Yisroel unless identified as such on the label. In general, the OU follows the opinion of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, and others, that government inspection of dairies is equivalent to a Mashgiach’s supervision, whereby the status of the milk from these dairies is […]
