News
OU KOSHER Celebrates 200th Issue Of The Daf HaKashrus: 20 Years In The Making
Twenty years in the making, the Orthodox Union Kashrut Division this month is celebrating the 200th issue of The Daf HaKashrus — its highly technical newsletter for OU Rabbinic Field Representatives (RFR’s) around the globe — with a special expanded edition. Rabbi Menachem Genack, Chief Executive Officer of OU Kosher, who is actively involved in […]
Filling A Void In A Deep Gorge
Filling a Void in a Deep Gorge: Gorge Estate Vineyards of Washington State Enables Royal Wine to Enter New Territory for Premium Kosher Wines
India’s Food Industry and OU Kosher
The next time you’re savoring your side of basmati rice, mushrooms in your salad, and vegetables in your instant soup – you just might catch a scent of sandalwood incense and sweet flowers. After all, you’re enjoying a taste of India.
Honibe™ – Pure Honey Joy™ Now Kosher Certified through The Orthodox Union; Island Abbey Foods
Island Abbey Foods Ltd™, specialty honey manufacturer, announced that they have attained kosher certification through the Orthodox Union (OU). This announcement will allow the innovative honey products produced by Island Abbey Foods Ltd™ under their Honibe™ (pronounced hon-ee-bee) brand to be sold with a new level of accreditation of quality, health, and safety.
As Far as Kosher Products Are Concerned, South America’s Hottest Country Is Chile
Ah, Chile! This incredible country has been in the spotlight recently. Last year’s terrible 8.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled the southern and central parts of the country, and the spectacular miraculous rescue of the Chilean miners and then their emotion-filled visit to Israel have placed Chile firmly in the world’s spotlight. The truth is that Chile has been the model country economically and politically for the entire South American continent for the last two decades.
FDA Guidelines on Carmine Bring a Boon to the Kosher Consumer
We have all heard of the dangers associated with artificial colors. With many artificial colors having been found to be carcinogenic, one certainly understands that consumers would prefer not to see “artificial colors” listed on the ingredient panel, and industry is proud to prominently display a “No Artificial Colors” disclaimer to win over the health conscious consumer. This has helped spur demand for cochineal extract and carmine (a more purified form of cochineal extract). These dyes are made from carminic acid which is extracted from the cochineal scale insect and are therefore natural products.
A Kosher Formula
I have heard it said that running a successful kosher program is as easy as PIE: Products, Ingredients and Equipment. One must keep an updated schedule B (products) an updated schedule A (ingredients) and have a proper system for keeping track of the kosher/pareve status of equipment. I would like to add another interpretation to this wise adage. Running a successful kosher program is as easy as π (as in 3.14159…).
Peru Revisited: A Rabbi’s Second Trip Opens New Horizons For Himself And OU Companies
If a picture is worth a thousand words, actually visiting a place, interacting with the people and seeing what they do and how first-hand is transcendental. Recently, I had the privilege of making my second trip to Peru. The purpose? To better understand the country and the business environment so that the OU can best service both current and potential kosher clients. To that end, I met with several Peruvian firms and also spent critical time with Mr. Sandro Monteblanco (the OU Business Liaison in Peru – featured in the last BTUS), as well as members of the local Jewish community.
Rudolf Jelínek‘s 400-Year Tradition of Making Slivovitz Bears Fruit in the U.S.
Rudolf Jelínek is a joint stock company engaged in the production of alcoholic beverages and currently ranks among the major producers of fruit brandy in the world. The company was founded in 1894 and follows a 400–year-old tradition of slivovitz-making in Walachia, Czech Republic.
OU KOSHER Prepares for Part II of its ASK OU Outreach in Brooklyn
After Drawing An Audience of 500 Last Sunday Night, OU Kashrus Prepares For Part II Of Its Ask OU Outreach Program In Brooklyn