Kashrus Alerts & News

1) It has come to our attention that kosher symbols from various local and international Kashrus organisations are appearing on ALDI products. In at least two cases (vegetable oil and apple chips), the Kosher Australia symbol has been printed on packaging of products which are sold at ALDI, however, these products are not currently under our supervision. We are attempting to rectify this situation. However, until further notice, aside from those products that are listed in the current edition of the Kosher Australia Food Guide and subsequent Kosher Kontacts that are acceptable without formal kosher approval as well as those ALDI products that are explicitly listed in the KAFG as acceptable, all ALDI products carrying the Kosher Australia symbol are not recommended. Care should also be taken when purchasing products which display the symbol of other Kashrus Authorities as it may be that the various logos have been printed on the packaging without the approval of the relevant Kashrus Authority.
2) Snackbrands of Australia have purchased the Kettle chips brand (as well as Smiths) and have commenced production in a factory which we have yet to audit. Therefore ONLY Kettle chip packets (of the varieties listed as Kosher) that do not have a ‘3’ immediately after the Best Before date are acceptable. Their website is www.snackbrands.com.au.
3) Minerva Australia have purchased Bertolli Olive Oil sprays and have decided to end their Kosher supervision as of September 2009. Only bottles carrying the old ‘Mem-K’ logo are acceptable. Minerva’s website is www.minervaaust.com.au. Please feel free to visit and voice your opinion.
4) As we reported last year, many juice and cordial companies are moving towards the use of natural colours. Golden Circle Fruit Cup Crush cordial now contains Colour 120 (carmine) and is no longer acceptable. Note that this product was never formally certified.
5) It has come to our attention that the following Tishbi wine varieties - Tishbi 2008 French Colombard, Tishbi 2008 Muscat Alexandroni, Tishbi 2008 Chenin Blanc, Tishbi Estates 2008 Sauvignon Blanc wine – marked in Hebrew 'Kedushas Shviis', may have been purchased by consumers before they were removed from the shelves by the importer. These wines are shemitta produce and must be treated with the appropriate holiness of shemitta produce. (The fruits used are otzar beis din NOT heter mechirah, nor yevul nochri). Aside from the problematic issue of Shemitta produce being sold outside Eretz Yisroel, shemitta produce cannot be actively destroyed or disposed of and the money used to purchase this produce must be used to purchase other shemitta produce. It goes to the extent that one cannot even wash out Kiddush cups! These wines should not be used.
6) The Jewish News ran an advert referred to Milli’s Pasta Deli in Malvern Central shopping centre serving Kosher food under the supervision of Kosher Australia. While we are not responsible for content printed in the media, it must be clarified that this refers only to sealed food packaging carrying the Kosher Australia logo and not to general products in the Deli.
7) Waterfront Venues placed an advert in the Jewish News advising that their upcoming Simcha expo will run on Shabbos and Sunday. This is an error and the Simcha expo will only run on Sunday. We have contacted the advertisers who regret the error and will correct it in the next run.
8) Blue Bay Cheese has gained Kosher certification for its range of soft cheeses, probiotic drinks and yoghurts (including buffalo yoghurt).
9) Edible Icing have gained Kosher certification for their printable icing for cakes.
10) Leda Nutritional products have gained certification for their range of gluten-free cakes, biscuits and food bars. Only products bearing the Kosher Australia logo are acceptable.
11) Finally! Vege Chips Tasty Cheese started rolling off the production line this week are now Kosher certified (non Cholov Yisroel) only when carrying the Kosher Australia dairy symbol.
12) Carman’s Deluxe Fruit Muesli Bars (Gluten Free) are Kosher certified pareve. Please note that Carman’s biscuits/cookies included in specially marked packs of muesli are not Kosher approved and contain non-Kosher ingredients.
13) It has just come to our attention that a concern has arisen re Cheese Corns distributed by the Royal Nut Company previously advised as Kosher pareve & bearing the Kosher Australia symbol. This product is made overseas and is imported in bulk with supervision from a reputable international Kashrut Authority which stipulates that the product is pareve. However, the ingredients panel used by the repacker contains a reference to dairy ingredients. We have made contact with the overseas Kashrus Authority and pending receipt of a reply, we recommend until further announcement against consuming this product even if it carries our Kosher pareve symbol. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Best Regards,
Yankel Wajsbort
General Manager
Kosher Australia
direct tel: 03 8317 2502
office tel: 03 8317 2500 or 1300-Kosher
office fax: 03 9527 5665

www.kosher.org.au

Please note that all information provided to us is kept strictly confidential and is used for religious purposes only

The 2009 Pesach Guide

Dear All,

The 2009 Pesach Guide is with the printers and we will be posting the Kosher Australia Food Guide and the Pesach Guide out on Monday. The year round guide actually arrived early but subscriptions started flooding in and the data entry has taken a couple of weeks longer than expected.
If you want to have a sneak preview of the Pesach Guide, please visit our website www.kosher.org.au and click on the button ‘Pesach 2009’. You’ll need Acrobat Reader 9 or above to read the file. If you’d like to know how the Pesach guide is put together see www.cosv.org.au/index.php?eid=419&dptu=148&article=332.
Some further notes:
1. Ark Prepared Produce (previously trading as Geoff’s Vantastics) will have Kosher for Pesach vegetables available. Please visit http://www.allreadykut.com.au/products.htm for a list of vegetables available. Contact John on 9558 7171 or john@allreadykut.com.au to place your order.
2. Pesach approval for Isomil is only when the Isomil is marked as being manufactured in/product of the Netherlands (use separate utensils).
3. S26 Soy may be used for Pesach when Kosher for Pesach baby formula or Isomil (made in the Netherlands) cannot be obtained. As this contains kitniyos, separate utensils should be used.
4. Cisco KLP coffee will be available from 2/4/09 - www.ciscoscoffeeroasters.com.au
5. For those who are lactose intolerant and observe Cholov Yisroel, please contact Rabbi Gutnick directly to discuss milk options. His email is Rabbi.Mordechai.Gutnick@kosher.org.au. (Lacteeze drops may be used for those who do not observe Cholov Yisroel.)

In non-Pesach news ...
1. On p223 of the 2009 KAFG, the Heinz Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce marked NK should read ‘Product of Australia’. Product of NZ is checked by the Kashrut Authority in Sydney and are Pareve, approved.
2. Aussie Farmers Direct (www.aussiefarmers.com.au) apple juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, orange juice and pineapple juice are now Kosher certified pareve.
3. Sanitarium Wheat Bix Multigrain Bites are checked by the Kashrut Authority in Sydney and are pareve, approved.
4. Be Natural food bar range are ONLY acceptable when bearing the Kof-K symbol – there are a number of varieties that do not carry this symbol and are therefore not acceptable.
5. Koala Tea (www.koalatea.com.au) have three new varieties – Balance (containing rooibos), Inner Strength, and Rejuvinate tea.
6. Billabong (0358 861306) Crushed Tomatoes, Puree Tomatoes, Chunky Tomatoes, Pizza Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Whole Peeled Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes with Basil are now Kosher certified pareve.
Best Regards,
Yankel Wajsbort
General Manager
Kosher Australia
direct tel: 03 8317 2502
office tel: 03 8317 2500 or 1300-Kosher
office fax: 03 9527 5665
www.kosher.org.au

Please note that all information provided to us is kept strictly confidential and is used for religious purposes only

Flavoured Twinnings teas

Dear All,

At a recent community camp, a sign purporting to be from Kosher Australia was prominently displayed advising that all Twinning’s Teas were now acceptable. Kosher Australia issued no such advice and our previously articulated policy regarding Twinnings has not changed.

In accordance with the latest information received by us in writing from the London Beth Din:

· Flavoured Twinnings teas are only certified by the London Beth Din if the packet bears their KLBD Kosher symbol. Most of these varieties are only available in North America and Israel. They are currently working with Twinnings to extend the certification to further varieties some of which will hopefully be available in Australia in the near future.

· Despite our request for confirmation of various rumours, the London Beth Din would not provide us with an approval for any varieties of Twinning Teas other than for those bearing the KLBD Kosher symbol.

Twinnings teas are manufactured in a number of countries including the United Kingdom, China and New Zealand. The London Beth Din has not investigated all possible manufacturing sites. Their logo will only appear on those teas manufactured in the sites they have investigated and certified.

The local Australian distributor of Twinning teas has not been able to provide the information necessary for us to make an independent assessment of the kashrus of Twinnings teas currently available in Australia.

Unflavoured Twinnings teas remain acceptable in accordance with the general rule governing all pure tea leaves and bags - if no other additives are listed on the ingredient label on the packaging.

Best Regards,

Yankel Wajsbort
General Manager
Kosher Australia
direct tel: 03 8317 2502
office tel: 03 8317 2500 or 1300-Kosher
office fax: 03 9527 5665
www.kosher.org

KOSHER NEWS BRIEFS 23-11-2008, 25 CHESHVAN 5769

Please note that ‘Dairy’ unless otherwise stated means ‘not Chalav Yisrael’.

1. Notification that GEOFF’S VANTASTICS have changed their name to ARK PREPARED PRODUCE. They are located at 23 Bunney Road Oakleigh South and may be contacted (tel/fax ) on (03) 9558 7171). ARK produces certified cut fresh fruit, vegetables and juices.
2. Clarification re Gippsland Yogurt Twists. These products are not Kosher approved. Only Gippsland Organic yogurts are Kosher certified dairy (not Chalav Yisrael).
3. Correction re 42 Below unflavoured vodka. We have previously listed this as pareve, but we are now advised that it is co-produced in shared equipment with dairy-based alcohol and as such is designated Dairy.
4. Warning re Original Juice Co ‘Black Label’ Apple Guava is no longer acceptable due to a change in formulation – existing product may be consumed.
5. Nestle Cheerios and Nesquick cereals made in Australia are kosher approved dairy (these products don’t contain dairy ingredients but are manufactured in shared equipment with dairy products).
6. Some Coles news:
a. Coles organic salt potato chips – certified, pareve (no logo required)
b. Coles organic pepper potato chips – certified, pareve (no logo required)
c. Coles organic salt corn chips – certified, pareve (no logo required)
d. Coles Organic Salted Popcorn – certified, pareve (no logo required)
e. Coles Organic Sweet & Salty Popcorn – certified, pareve (no logo required)
f. Coles’ Finest Vanilla Ice Cream with supplier code 956849 is kosher certified dairy (not Chalav Yisrael).
g. Coles cottage cheese is Kosher approved dairy (not Chalav Yisrael)
h. Coles Smoked Salmon with supplier code 954170 is Kosher certified pareve
7. While the main avenues to purchase Kosher products are through Kosher specialty retailers or the kosher sections of supermarkets, many greengrocers stock Kosher products - kosher certified honey (Archibald), pastas (imported carrying OU), sauces (Berry King) and dried fruit (Joe Pignataro) products are distributed via this network. Chemists stock kosher liquorice (Ricci) as well as kosher sugar free products (Sweet Enough). Another good Kosher retail source is the health food section of supermarkets that carry gluten free pasta (Orgran) and mixes (Orgran, Well & Good), soy & rice cakes (Pureharvest), food bars (Go Natural, Wallaby, Sweet William), nut spreads (Melrose, Eskal), chocolate spreads (Sweet William) and tahina (Mayvers) – just to name some examples.
8. Kosher Symbol Watch – products seen carrying the Kosher Australia symbol:
a. 3 TOPS tomato sauce (available in Coles) – this is the only locally produced Kosher certified tomato sauce
b. Golden Circle canned pineapple
c. Thomas Chipman corn chips
d. Vegie Chips
e. Berry Kings sauces and coullis
f. Select Buderim products
g. Springs/Huon salmon products (including the new flavoured varieties!)
h. Joe Pignataro berries – available also online at http://www.berriesonline.com.au/
i. Mayvers Tahini
j. Melrose nut spread
k. Clyne’s Dried Fruits

9. Late breaking news:
Moonlite Wines have won the Silver Medal at the recent 2008 World Wine Championships in Chicago . Visit them online at http://www.moonlitewine.com.au/ where wine can also be purchased.

Please note that the final Kosher Kontact for 2008 will be sent out in the next two weeks.

Best Regards,
Yankel Wajsbort
General Manager
Kosher Australia
direct tel: 03 8317 2502
office tel: 03 8317 2500 or 1300-Kosher
office fax: 03 9527 5665
http://www.kosher.org.au/

Deep Spring range

Dear All,

We have just been alerted by Coca Cola Amatil to changes in the formulations of the Deep Spring range.

As a result, the following Deep Spring products are no longer Kosher approved:

· Deep Spring - Mango Guava

· Deep Spring - Orange & Mango

· Deep Spring - Orange & Passionfruit

The following Deep Spring products are not approved pending further investigation:

· Deep Spring - Lemon

· Deep Spring - Orange, Lemon & Lime

· Deep Spring - Pineapple Watermelon

The new varieties are marked as containing ‘Natural Colours and Flavours’. Old stock NOT labelled as such remains Kosher approved and pareve.

Note that ‘Deep Spring - Mixed Berry’ remains Kosher approved and pareve.

Best Regards,
Yankel Wajsbort
General Manager
Kosher Australia
direct tel: 03 8317 2502
office tel: 03 8317 2500 or 1300-Kosher
office fax: 03 9527 5665
www.kosher.org.au

Kosher Australia Upd Kashrus Alert re Fresh Pineapple Infestation (Kislev 23 5768, 3/12/07)

Please be advised that we have received reports that fresh pineapples have been found to be infested with small white/yellow worms primarily (but not limited to) near the crown area. At this stage, canned pineapple is not affected.
Best Regards,
Yankel Wajsbort
General Manager
Kosher Australia
Office Tel: +613 8317 2500 (in Australia 1300-KOSHER)
Office Fax: +613 9527 5665
Direct: +613 8317 2502
Website: www.kosher.org.au
Please note that all information provided to us is kept strictly confidential and is used for religious purposes only

Best Regards,Kosher Australia(t) +613 8317 2500(f) +613 9527 5665(w) www.kosher.org.au

Kosher Australia Upd WARNING ON LEGGO PRODUCTS

WARNING ON LEGGO’S PRODUCTS (pages 156, 163 and 178 in the Kosher Australia Food Bulletin)

1. All Leggo’s products in glass jars and A10 (caterer’s packs) cans should not be used until further notice. This includes jars of Tomato Paste, No Added Salt Tomato Paste, Spreadable Sweet Mustard Pickles and Traditional Sweet Mustard Pickles previously listed as acceptable. In the A10 (caterer’s packs) this includes Tomato Paste, Tomato Puree and Crushed Tomatoes. All existing stocks should not be used, however any food items already made with these products may still be used and are Pareve.
2. Leggo’s Tomato Puree in retail cans should not be used until further notice. All existing stocks should not be used, however any food items already made with this product may still be used and are Pareve.
3. New Leggo’s Tomato Paste in ‘squeeze packs’ is NOT acceptable. All existing stocks should not be used, however any food items already made with these products may still be used and may, in such circumstances, be considered as Pareve.
4. Leggo’s Tomato Paste and No Added Salt Tomato Paste in plastic tubs and sachets remain approved as Kosher and Pareve.
5. All other Leggo’s products including Leggo’s Tomato Pastes with added herbs and spices remain NOT acceptable.

WARNING ON ARDMONA PRODUCTS
As per the Kosher Australia Food Bulletin p161, the ‘Easy Squeeze’ squeeze pack of Ardmona Tomato Paste is NOT acceptable.

Regards & Gmar Chasima Tova,
Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick
Rabbinic Administrator
Best Regards,Kosher Australia(t) +613 8317 2500(f) +613 9527 5665(w) www.kosher.org.au

Kosher Australia Update

In the run up to the Yom Tov season, we’d like to take the opportunity to let people know about some new products and some not-so-new that will help with the Yom Tov cooking or just to sweeten things up.

1) Many of the major brands of honey are Kosher certified – Capilano, Beechworth, Leabrook Farms, Archibald and Pureharvest. Recently, Leabrook developed its spreadable honey range, all Kosher certified and available in most supermarkets.

2) The following artificial sweeteners are kosher approved:
a. Fruisana made by Danisco and is certified by the Orthodox Union even when the packaging does not bear the OU kosher symbol.
b. CSR Smart (pack and sticks) is kosher approved by Kosher Australia.
c. Hermesitas sticks are not kosher approved and contain dairy ingredients. (Hermesitas tablets are Kosher certified pareve by Rav Levinger.)

3) Looking for fish? Contact Clamms Seafoods at www.clamms.com.au for their certified range of skin on filleted and whole fish.

4) Continental Kosher Butchers have launched a new website www.ckb.com.au. All their products are glatt kosher and readily available at select Coles and Woolworths stores as well as from their Malvern store and via telephone orders.

5) As an accompaniment for your fish or meat dishes, why not try a selection of gourmet dips from Australian Veggie Gourmet such as Basil pesto, Beetroot, Moroccan Lentil, Thai Carrot and Spinach & Garlic? These are available at kosher retailers and at Coles. Be sure to look out for the Kosher Australia symbol on the packaging.

6) To add that extra flavour to your soups, Massel stock powders and cubes are widely available – all Kosher certified pareve. Note that the Massel liquid stocks are not acceptable.

7) For that savoury tapenade, sauce or topping, try the products from Riverina Grove (www.riverinagrove.com.au) – their 3-Tops Chilli sauce is excellent (the Tomato and BBQ sauces aren’t too bad either). Kosher sauces and products are Kosher certified by Kosher Australia.

8) For the wine enthusiast, try Beckett’s Flat’s new Five Stones range – visit their website (www.beckettsflat.com.au) for more information and ordering details.

9) For Succos, don’t forget the exquisite range of Lark liquors (www.larkdistillery.com.au) – all Kosher certified.

10) Darrell Lea ‘naked’ liquorices and liquorice twists are now kosher certified. Kosher symbols will appear on packaging in the next few weeks but existing stock is already acceptable. Kosher brands include Darrell Lea, Ricci and Coles. Kosher varieties include Original Soft Eating Liquorice, Blackcurrant Soft Eating Liquorice, Strawberry Soft Eating Liquorice, Green Apple Soft Eating Liquorice, Mango Soft Eating Liquorice, Black Liquorice Twists & Raspberry Liquorice Twists.

11) Fruitwise make a range of healthy fruitstraps and mueslis all under the supervision of Kosher Australia. Please contact them at www.fruitwise.com.au to find out where these products are available from.

12) Anyone who’s been to Israel is sure to have sampled a Krembo, or as their known to us English speakers, Danish Kisses. These are now available at local retailers with Kosher Australia certification in packets of 1 dozen and in various flavours. Be sure to check for the Kosher Australia symbol on the packaging.

13) For those who are looking for gluten-free bread mixes, the following brands are Kosher certified – Orgran, Casalare and Well & Good (the latter must carry the Kosher Australia symbol).

14) All Kirk’s drinks have now been checked and are acceptable. We are hoping to formally certify them in the next few months.

15) Vegemite is now kosher approved in all sizes including 40g containers and tubes. We are looking to finalise formal certification shortly.

16) The position of the Kosher Australia Rabbinic Board is that Extra Virgin Olive and Virgin Olive Oil now require proper Kosher certification. Brands that Kosher Australia certify are Ollo, Yellingbo, Boundary Bend, and Pendleton Estate. Other widely available brands are Coles, Graparelli (both carrying the OU symbol) and Bertolli.

May you all be inscribed for a sweet, healthy, prosperous and Kosher New Year.

Yankel Wajsbort
General Manager
Kosher Australia Pty Ltd

STATEMENT BY KOSHER AUSTRALIA

In the Australian Jewish News dated 3/8/07, a special report on 'SA Scandal Threatens Australian Kashrut' was published which made allegations concerning Kosher Australia. Both the Rabbinic Board and the Board of Management of Kosher Australia state as follows:
1) On page xvi of the 'Kosher Australia Food Bulletin' 2007 Kosher Australia sets out its policy with respect to products supervised or approved by other Rabbinic Authorities. That policy is:
"To increase the usefulness of this Bulletin, some product information from other kashrus authorities has been incorporated where the kashrus supervision would otherwise not be evident. However, these products are NOT endorsed nor under the supervision of Kosher Australia. A number following the relevant product or brand name acknowledges the source of the information supplied."
The products referred to by the Australian Jewish News report are listed in the Kosher Australia Food Bulletin 2007 on pages 48, 107, 114, 190, 206-8 and have the superscript 11 next to the company, which indicates that the information is from Rabbi Y. Engel, Adelaide Kashrut.
2) The three South Australian companies listed by the Australian Jewish News are not and have never been under the supervision of Kosher Australia. No commercial, contractual or other relationship has ever existed between any of these companies and Kosher Australia. These companies have been under the supervision of successive Rabbis who have been employed by the Adelaide Hebrew Congregation.
3) The community can be assured that the protocols, procedures and audits governing the supervision of the 238 companies and 6,065 products which are carried out by Kosher Australia are strictly controlled and are of the highest standards as clearly outlined on pages viii and ix of the introduction to Kosher Australia Food Bulletin.
Dated: Tuesday, 7 August 2007, 23 Menachem Av, 5767

Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick
Rabbinic Administrator

Stephen Shnider, Llb
Chairman

Best Regards,Kosher Australia(t) +613 8317 2500(f) +613 9527 5665(w) www.kosher.org.au

KASHRUT NOTICES

• KOSHER AUSTRALIA NOTICE
  
  Effective immediately
  
  all products manufactured and distributed by
  
  “JUST SQUEEZED FRUIT JUICES”
  
  are not acceptable
  ================================
  any existing stock must not be used.
  

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS - AT ALL TIMES!

Toddler assault in daylight
April 16, 2007 12:00am

A MAN has indecently assaulted a young boy in a busy suburban park in broad daylight.

The attack, described by police as opportunistic, happened about 11am yesterday at Harleston Park, between Seymour and Allison roads.

What has shocked police is the fact the victim, aged 3, had wandered only a short distance from his family group when the attacker struck.

The boy was at the park with his father and two sisters, aged 5 and nearly 2, when the sex attacker saw his opportunity to move in.

"He wandered away for just a short period . . . no more than a few minutes," Sen-Det Matt Campbell, of Caulfield CIU, said last night.

"That's when the offender led him away and indecently assaulted him."

The father found his son sitting on a park bench.

KOSHER ALERT

Yori’s Place of 937 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield South 3162 (03) 9571 1255
will cease Kosher trading after this Sunday

Kosher Australia Pty Ltd
(direct line) +613 8317 2502
(fax) +613 9527 5665
(main line) +613 8317 2500
www.kosher.org.au