Chicago Rabbinical Council Top Ten Questions for June 2013

Q: Does Yuzu Juice need a hechser?

A: Yes, Yuzu juice requires a hechsher.  In general, all bottled and canned juices require a hechsher.

Q: Do coffee filters need a hechsher?

A: No, coffee filters do not need a hechsher.

Q: What is the cRc policy on canned vegetables when the only additional ingredients are salt and water?

A: cRc policy requires a hechsher on all canned vegetables, even if the additional ingredients do not pose a kashrus concern. Canned vegetables are processed in a retort which can be used to produce non-kosher canned items.

Q: Does unflavored instant oatmeal need a hechsher? Can I make it on Shabbos?

A: Unflavored instant oatmeal does not need a hechsher. Instant oatmeal is made of finely rolled raw oats and one would not be allowed to make it on Shabbos.

Q: What is the cRc’s policy on fresh raspberries?

A: The cRc does not recommend using fresh raspberries due to insects.

Q: Does salmon need a hechsher?

A: Salmon is unique in that the skin color itself acts as a siman and a skin patch is not required. Accordingly, frozen salmon with no other kosher sensitive ingredients does not need a hechsher. Fresh salmon fillets do not need a hechsher either, but there are other concerns regarding the knives and cutting boards that need to be addressed before the purchasing them from a non-certified store.

Q: What is the cRc policy regarding corn on the cob?

A: Our investigations have not shown any significant infestation in corn on the cob in the USA.

Q: Does baking powder need a hechsher?

N: No, baking powder does not need a hechsher.

Q: Does toothpaste need a hechsher?

A: Rav Schwartz holds toothpaste doesn’t require hashgachah, but it is preferred to use varieties that do not contain kosher sensitive ingredients such as glycerin.

Q: Can the Stanley Cup be kashered?

A: In general, all metal cups can be kashered through immersing the cup into boiling water after not having been used for 24 hours. Under certain circumstances the law regarding a vessel not used within 12 months can be more lenient, and we hope that is not the case with the Chicago Blackhawks’s Stanley Cup!

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For more FAQs, see http://www.crcweb.org/faq/faqs.php

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