Kosher, Kashrus and Hechsherim Master thread

[mgarfin]

http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=11285.msg1426723#msg1426723

[Emkay]

http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=11285.msg1426723#msg1426723

Is that supposed to be a question?

[username]

bought a raw brisket and the only ID was a little piece of paper inside that said OU and Nirbartur symbols. Was shrinkwrapped in plain clear plastic, with only a date code inkjetted on.
Bought from an eino yehudi.
Can i eat it?

[username]

This.

[henche]

bought a raw brisket and the only ID was a little piece of paper inside that said OU and Nirbartur symbols. Was shrinkwrapped in plain clear plastic, with only a date code inkjetted on.
Bought from an eino yehudi.
Can i eat it?

I think so.  Call the OU.

[moko]

bought a raw brisket and the only ID was a little piece of paper inside that said OU and Nirbartur symbols. Was shrinkwrapped in plain clear plastic, with only a date code inkjetted on.
Bought from an eino yehudi.
Can i eat it?

shouldn't be that way. Is there anything stamped on the brisket itself? Generally they are only sold that way commercially in a box with straps . The stores that sell it that way (shop rite, jewel, etc.) Should be repacking under hashgacha.

[Eliyohu]

Always wondered about Wal-Mart brand great value frozen broccoli it has a K on it anyone know any info about it... is it kosher? Under who's hasgacha? Why no symbol just a K? (Only asking as i know there are products with just a K that are under reliable hechsherim but for some reason cant put thier symbol)

[tzifanya54]

Always wondered about Wal-Mart brand great value frozen broccoli it has a K on it anyone know any info about it... is it kosher? Under who's hasgacha? Why no symbol just a K? (Only asking as i know there are products with just a K that are under reliable hechsherim but for some reason cant put thier symbol)

Lots of frozen veggies have a K on it, as the product is essentially kosher. Since broccoli has a real bug problem, in no way are they certifying that its bug free. FWIU.

[ExGingi]

I just stumbled upon this thread, and came across these quotes, that while a little dated are as relevant as ever, so I couldn't resist to add my .02

There is chasam sofer petach tikva and chasam sofer bnei brak.  Petach tikva is supposed to be the better hechsher

Kashrus being a very lucrative business, and a huge segment of the population (more so in EY) being Oilem Goilem, I have adopted a few rules of thumb in deciding which Hashgocho to accept "bechezkas Kashrus" (no pun intended):

1. Hashgocho organization/Rabbi MUST be local to either place of production or place of primary marketing (which is when Chasm Sofer BB lost their Chazoko). With exceptions made for production in places where there is no local Kehilla.

2. If it has any of the following words in the title, it has an extra גריעותא: Mehadrin, Mehadrin min HaMehadrin, Chumra, Hechsher. (Note that two of the most widely respected Hashgochos from EY, Eida Chareidis and Rav Landa BB don't say Mehadrin). Also, if the name of the agency has the words BADATZ in it, but the only Beis Din function it performs is Kashrus, it looses credibility in my eyes.

3. If a certain Hashgocho takes over another at a lucrative producer, and all of the sudden many additional lines become "Mehadrin", it raises my defenses.

4. If a certain Hashgocho will claim that they are the best (not specifically stating that they adhere to standard a b or c, which others might or might not, but actually using comparative terms such as better than, etc), relying on the most stringent shittos lechol hadeios, my defenses are up again.

5. When it comes to food establishments (as opposed to  commercial producers) I like to know who the owner is, my decision whether to trust or not will be based on a combination of the owner, Hashgocho (and occasionally personal acquaintance with mashgiach on premises whom I can ask questions of).

I don't eat any of the above, I feed it to my garbage if it makes it through my door.

To quote a greatly admired mashpia celebrating his 80th birthday these days: ״מ׳האט אויפגעהערט עסן כשר, און אנגעהויבן עסן הכשרים״

[mgarfin]

I was recently served a ksml from Shem Tov in Chile , I do not remember the ruv/hashgachas name, is it reliabel?

[mgarfin]

What hechsher is behind K on Kellogg brand?

[moko]

What hechsher is behind K on Kellogg brand?

kvh (Boston, R' Krems)

[aygart]

What hechsher is behind K on Kellogg brand?

Vaad of New England

[aygart]

kvh (Boston, R' Krems)

Vaad of New England

We both mean the same thing

[mgarfin]

kvh (Boston, R' Krems)

Vaad of New England

And is it reliable? Is it comparable to the OU, OK.....?

[moko]

And is it reliable? Is it comparable to the OU, OK.....?

I would say yes . R' Krems greatly improved the level of Kashrus at the KVH (based on speaking to several ou mashgichim who reviewed some of their facilities )

[hide4]

The earl grey free sample tea doesn't have a hechsher. Does that mean it's not kosher?

[CS1]

The earl grey free sample tea doesn't have a hechsher. Does that mean it's not kosher?

probably not kosher. Which brand are you referring to?

[hide4]

probably not kosher. Which brand are you referring to?

Twinings

[CS1]

Twinings

Is it manufactured in London? If so, it looks like ALL flavors are certified Kosher, Link: http://www.ka.org.au/index.php/Kosher_Alerts/Twinings_Tea_-_Kosher_Approved.html