Bumble Bee Seafoods

behindnion the ssymbolymbol U A PUBLICATION FOR CERTIFIED COMPANIES Reaching 4,000 Food Executives & Over 2,500 Companies Worldwide

WINTER 2003 Spotlight on OUCompanies Industry Trends 4 It’s Your Spud How to keep your potatoes Kosher Bumble Bee Seafoods– DearR abbi Understanding 8 the Fine Print of A Kosher Tradition Schedule A IN 1899, a group of 7 fishermen in Asto- goes back for ria, Oregon banded together as the decades. Lets Get IColumbia River Packers Association, or Commented Chris Chemical CRPA. Their simple goal was to fish and Lischewski, President and Chief 10 Kosher Issues process sockeye salmon from Alaska’s Operating Officer of Bumble Bee in the Chemical World Bristol Bay. In 1910, the CRPA introduced Seafoods, Inc., “We are proud of our long- a new catch, albacore tuna, which was standing relationship with the OU, as we found in seasonal abundance off the Ore- know that its symbol is a critical measure gon coast. While the CRPA packed of quality for our consumers.“ salmon and albacore tuna under many Maintaining that high tradition of ❝We are proud of different brand names, one brand of par- quality is no easy task given the global ticularly high quality was named after a reach of the company. As tuna swims our long-standing local fishing vessel—the “Bumble Bee.” around the globe, Bumble Bee® Seafoods’ Nearly 50 years later, the company would OU-certified manufacturing facilities are relationship with even change its name to Bumble Bee in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Fiji, Trinidad, Seafoods, Inc in honor of that brand’s California, and Minnesota. The company the OU, as we know size and prestige. also sources products from an additional that its symbol is a Today, Bumble Bee® is an integrated 40+ countries. Continued Lischewski, “At seafood company with approximately virtually any hour of the day, we are pro- critical measure of $750 million in annual revenues and a cessing tuna to high kosher standards wholly owned subsidiary of ConAgra somewhere in the world. The training quality for our Foods, Inc.—one of the world’s largest investment is substantial, but the payoff branded food companies. In addition to is well worth it.” consumers.❞ providing the number one brand of Over the years Bumble Bee® Seafoods canned albacore tuna and salmon in the has constantly led the pace of innovation United States under the Bumble Bee in the category, ensuring that it always label, they also provide the number one provides the best quality products at brand of high-quality sardines under the competitive prices. The famous “Bumble

WE WELCOME King Oscar label; the number one brand Bee®” signature trademark, combined YOUR COMMENTS of canned seafood in Canada under the with the OU symbol of kosher certifica- & CONTRIBUTIONS Clover Leaf label; and the number one tion, is an assurance of quality to the fax brand of refrigerated surimi in the United consumer. U 212.613.0775 States under the Louis Kemp label. Each Rabbi Doneal Epstein e–mail of these brands proudly bears the OU serves as the Orthodox Union’s [email protected] symbol of quality, a certification that rabbinic coordinator for Bumble Bee.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 From the Editor

CCORDING TO KOSHERFEST statistics, sales of Kosher foods are growing 15% annually, totalling A$5.75 billion in sales in 2001. As the selection of Kosher products increases, they are steadily gaining

popularity not only with traditional kosher con- Pictured at the new Orthodox Union booth at KOSHERFEST sumers, but with mainsteam and specialty food con- 2002 on November 6th and 7th at the Meadowlands Conven- tion Center in Secaucus, NJ (left to right) OU Executive Rabbinic sumers as well, because of their high quality and Coordinator Rabbi Moshe Elefant and Rabbi Michael Morris who healthful status. The NASFT recently promoted its coordinated OU’s participation at Kosherfest. members' kosher products at KosherFest 2002 held on November 5-6 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, N.J. The world's fair of the kosher food of Communications and Marketing, formulates a new industry attended by close to 15,000 food representa- idea of linking your website with the OU's. Be sure tives from 45 states and more than 30 countries, your marketing people follow up on this great idea as KosherFest aisles were once well as the other OU "Marketing Tips" focusing on Orthodox again filled with wholesalers, how your company can attain increased benefit from Union food brokers, manufacturers, your OU symbol. retailers, distributors, kosher We are particularly pleased to feature in this issue caterers, supermarket and an in depth look at the many facets of certifying the KASHRUT DIVISION specialty food store buyers, potato industry, while at the same time sharing several RABBI MENACHEM GENACK Rabbinic Administrator who discovered a myriad of OU certified potato companies' most gratifying feed- RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT kosher items, including back to their certification. I am grateful that Rabbis Executive Rabbinic Coordinator Director, New Company Department ingredients, organic and veg- Gordimer and Bistricer agreed to articulate so clearly RABBI YAAKOV LUBAN eterian products, kosher and precisely the kosher issues involved in certifying Executive Rabbinic Coordinator sushi, caviar, wines and spir- the ever growing potato industry. The many fine RABBI ELIYAHU SAFRAN its from all corners of the points and nuances in kosher certification of the Senior Rabbinic Coordinator Director, Review and Update Department globe. chemical industry are well defined by Rabbi Michoel RABBI YERACHMIEL MORRISON Anticipating further and Coleman, a rabbinic coordinator for many OU certi- RABBI ABRAHAM JURAVEL Ingredient Approval Registry increased growth of the fied chemical companies and Rabbi Nemes of New kosher market during the Orleans, a rabbinic field representative visiting many coming decade, KosherFest OU certified chemical companies. As the Orthodox DR. CHAIM WASSERMAN Chairman, Joint Kashrut Commission is slated to move its success- Union continues to be sought after by companies big RABBI HOWARD KATZENSTEIN ful trade show to New York's and small throughout the world including the Far East Director, Business Management Javits Cener where according and Eastern Europe, we are pleased to talk Turkey ANNA FULDA Coordinator, Letters of Certification, to Menachem Lubinsky pres- about two of the many companies recently OU certi- Labels, Private Labels ident of IMC, organizers of fied in Turkey. I was pleased to have had the opportu-

the 15 year old show, the nity to visit these companies together with our RABBI EMANUEL HOLZER move will "position kosher energetic Representative in Turkey, Rabbi Yossi Tir- Chairman, Rabbinic Kashrut Commission for further growth among nauer. Be assured that even as we grow and expand diverse sectors of the food our scope and horizons, there is always someone here ORTHODOX UNION market." The surge in kosher to react and respond to your needs and concerns. Feel HARVEY BLITZ certification continues to be free to be in touch so we can assist in assuring your President led by the OU, the world's kosher program meets the OU's highest standards, and RABBI DR. TZVI HERSH WEINREB Executive Vice President premier kosher certification that all of your needs are being properly and effec-

DAVID OLIVESTONE agency, certifying the high- tively met. Director, Communicatons and Marketing est percentage of kosher cer- Best wishes for a peaceful and successful 2003! tified products. In order to BEHIND THE ensure that our certified UNION SYMBOL companies get an even RABBI ELIYAHU SAFRAN greater advantage in reach- Editor–in–Chief ing a greater market share, PAMELA WEIMAN Graphic Designer Mr. David Olivestone, Rabbi Eliyahu Safran Orthodox Union's Director Editor/Senior Rabbinic Coodinator

2 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 TUNA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

KOSHER FOR PASSOVER TUNA

IN KEEPING WITH its tradition of category innovation and commitment to kosher prod- A group of ASK OU 6 participants at AriZona Beverage's Maplewood Beverage Packers plant in Maplewood, NJ guided ucts, Bumble Bee is by (standing left to right) Rabbi Yosef Grossman, Director ASK OU, Mr. Jeff McMahon of Quality Assurance Maplewood Bev- introducing Bumble Bee erage and Rabbi Dovid Cohen of Orthodox Union Kosher for Passover Solid White Albacore tuna in February 2003. This product is specially prepared under the close supervision of the Orthodox Union TeachingKosher– to meet the highest standards of Jewish dietary law. Because Passover standards prohibit the use of soy-based broths (typically found in most tuna), this new product will actually have more fish placed in the can than ordinary tuna—meaning that this will be the best quality product available OW MANY RABBIS does it take to make a non- on the market! kosher kitchen kosher? Actually, just one, but a tremendous amount of training is required to Commented Christopher Lischewski, President H learn the art of “kosherizing.” That is why the OU and Chief Operating Officer of Bumble Bee recently held its sixth annual ASK OU Kashruth Seafoods, Inc., “As the quality leaders in the tuna Internship Program, the most intensive Kashruth category for many years, we are proud to add the education program that trains rabbinic field represen- Kosher for Passover product to our line-up begin- tatives in the art and science of kashruth. ning next year. This has been a terrific collabora- The seminar is geared for graduate rabbinic semi- tive effort with the OU to bring a superior quality nary students, congregational rabbis, and those product to Jewish and non-Jewish consumers already involved in kosher supervision who are seek- alike. Anyone who appreciates great quality tuna ing to fine tune and intensify their skills. The pro- will appreciate this product.” gram also provides the basics for those interested in Bumble Bee has offered a Kosher for Passover pursuing a professional career in kosher supervision. version of King Oscar Sardines in Olive Oil for the Among those in attendance at this summer’s pro- last several years with great success, but this is gram were the deputy Chief Rabbi of Riga and Latvia, the U.S. Army Chaplain stationed in Germany, a the company’s first foray into OUP tuna. Continued Kashruth inspector from Moscow, and a rabbinic Lischewski, “We are now seeing some of our retail seminary student from France, as well as representa- customers putting a Kosher buying program in tives from Central America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cal- place, where they are actively seeking out new gary, Toronto and throughout the United States. With Kosher products—particular as Passover more than 70 people participating, this year was the approaches but even on an ongoing basis. We most successful ASK OU to date. think this OUP product will fit nicely with that trend.” The in-depth program planned and coordinated Bumble Bee Kosher for Passover Solid White by Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi Yosef Grossman (who Albacore will be available on a limited basis at first also serves as Editor of Daf HaKashrus, a monthly as the company assesses how much consumer newsletter for the Orthodox Union’s rabbinic field demand exists for this high-quality tuna. It will fea- representatives) included in depth sessions on meth- ture a distinctive black, silver and white label and ods of kosherization, supervision of the meat indus- will be supported with print advertisements in try, a full understanding of food service supervision, identifying “red flag ingredients,” an overview of the many Jewish magazines and periodicals, including OU’s global supervision and a focus on insect infesta- the OU’s own Jewish Action magazine. tion and its effect on proper certification.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 www.ou.org 3 This Spud’s for by Rabbis Avraham Gordimer & David Bistricer

N TODAY’S fast paced society, technological Spiced and sweet flavored batters are common, as advancements have revolutionized the world we are cheese-flavored coatings. Ilive in. This is especially true in the food indus- Production involves slicing potatoes into spec- try, where research and development are con- ified sizes and shapes, running them through bat- stantly creating new and innovative products. The ter/coating (when relevant), and frying them in oil potato industry is no exception. Once considered a or shortening. relatively simple market, the certification of potato Until recently, several major suppliers of potato companies has become quite complex and chal- batter were not kosher-certified, or had an lenging. extremely limited certification that could not Most potato plants use hundreds of kosher-sen- accommodate the mass-production of kosher sitive ingredients on a regular basis. Now more plants. With great effort, the OU has enabled such than ever cheese, meat flavors and extracts are in companies to become fully kosher and non-dairy, vogue. Potato products which one would never so that kosher consumers could eat battered pota- have dreamt of are now on our dinner tables. toes with meat. Similarly, potato plants that had In response to the recent growth and sophisti- previously used unapproved batters were kosher- cation of the potato industry, the OU has ized so that they are now providing an array of increased its specialization and focus. We would newly available batters and flavor blends for their therefore like to share some general observations consumers. and describe how we met the challenge. ❝Once considered a relatively simple market, the certification of potato companies has become quite complex and challenging❞

Although monitoring the kosher status of fry- GEOGRAPHY ing oil is usually the simplest facet of a kosher visit Most North American potatoes are grown either in to a fried potato plant, it deserves a bit of discus- the northeast US/southeast Canada (“Eastern sion. Despite the fact that vegetable oil is inher- Potatoes”) or in the Pacific Northwest/southwest ently kosher, it is often processed in plants which Canada (“Western Potatoes”). Eastern potatoes are also handle non-kosher oils and is transported in usually smaller, smoother and more delicate than bulk carriers used for non-kosher materials as well. their western brethren, which makes them ideal for Thus, proper verification of the oil source and car- softer or more refined finished products. Western rier is always a must. potatoes are larger and generally coarser in tex- ture, and their firmness makes them ideal for DEHYDRATED POTATO PLANTS products such as large steak fries. In dehydrated potato plants the products are Most Eastern potato plants are located in sliced and blanched in hot water to deactivate Maine, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, browning enzymes. They are then further while the bulk of Western potato facilities are scat- reduced to size, emulsifiers are added, after which tered throughout Idaho, Washington State and they are cooked in live steam. The potatoes are Oregon. Several Midwest regions, Ohio, Minnesota then air-dried on rotary dryers or through a and Manitoba, host a moderate number of cyclone, and additives may be incorporated. potato fields and plants as well. When dehydrated potatoes are diced and sliced, they form potato dices and slices. When FRY PLANTS they are reduced to a mash, we end up with Most modern potato frying facilities manufac- instant (dehydrated) mashed potatoes. When dairy ture French fries and potato pancakes (patties). powders are added (non-fat dry milk, whey, butter

4 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 You

flavor, etc.), the product is called complete mashed As the potato industry has grown rapidly, the Ortho- potatoes. dox Union has met the difficult challenges of properly As of late, some companies have begun to add supervising the facilities it certifies. It is certainly fortu- kosher cheese powders so as to create potatoes au nate that the growth in the industry has lead to gratin. Others add dairy powders to the mash while it increased communication between the potato compa- rests in the steam cooker, thus rendering the equip- nies and the OU office. As the industry progresses, the ment dairy, because it had contact with hot dairy material. new advancements of today will certainly continue to These practices require special attention by the lead to a stronger professional relationship tomorrow U company and kosher supervisor. The vast majority of cheese powder in the market is non-kosher, so systems Rabbis Gordimer and Bistricer must be set up to prevent accidental interchange of serve as Orthodox Union rabbinic kosher and non-kosher powders in the same facility. coordinators for the potato industry. Similarly, it is necessary to designate the cookers that use dairy additives and produce the non-dairy products elsewhere. To help make this process easier, the OU now certifies numerous dairy cheese powders, which has enabled companies to convert their entire au gratin lines to kosher- POLICY G certified status. Similarly, we have provided lists of acceptable non-dairy batters and cheese flavors to com- REMINDER panies that prefer to market their product as non-dairy. Many potato companies maintain high-quality blend- FWhen the OU rabbinic field representa- ing and packaging equipment that is used for toll-proces- tive (RFR) arrives for a plant visit and sors unrelated to potato production. Pasta, powders and your regular kosher contact is not beans are often run through such equipment. A problem available, it is important that your com- arises when certified companies do not seek kosher status pany have contingency plans in order for all the products handled on the same line as the to assure that the OU visit goes kosher materials. How do we deal with these cases? smoothly. We thus suggest that alterna- It is indeed a blessing for us that most non-kosher tive contacts be designated for OU vis- activity in potato plants involves incorporating non- its (and any other OU administrative kosher powders after the base product is formed and work as well),and that any documents cooled. Thus, so long as we can verify that the equip- which the RFR needs to review be avail- ment is fully clean (after examining company sanitiza- able in a location which he can readily tion protocol) and that any non-kosher material is access. Please speak with your rabbinic incompatible with kosher product, we can grant certi- coordinator and RFR to set up a system fication. This system safeguards the integrity of the which will work well for all parties. OU program while enabling the companies to maximize their potential. FYour company's schedule A is designed to be a living, dynamic document which PASSOVER PRODUCTION should reflect the reality of all ingredi- Under the supervision of an on-site OU rabbinic field ents in the plant. It is thus essential that representative, equipment must be kosherized for all personnel responsible for ordering Passover. Only Passover-approved ingredients may be and receiving ingredients be familiar used, and the OU representative remains at the plant for with schedule A and use it. The OU can the duration of the run, due to the special sensitivity now enter raw material codes (RMCs) and strict requirements of Passover production. on schedule A, for ease of use and inte- Although this system is labor intense, it pays off for gration with plant operations. those companies that seek to maximize this important part of the kosher market.

www.ou.org 5 OU COMPANIES Speak Simply the Best by Mary Erickson

ORTHERN STAR CO. is a a similar desire for providing member of the Michael customers with quality prod- NFoods, Inc. family of ucts and service. We found food processors and has been what we were looking for in in the potato business since the Orthodox Union and 1950. The company started have been delighted in our out manufacturing pre-peeled partnership ever since. The raw potatoes, which were OU continues to have a close delivered on local routes in working relationship with the Minneapolis area. In the our Quality Assurance, mid 1960’s, Northern Star Research & Development, entered the frozen French fry and even Maintenance market and ten years later introduced the pre- Departments in developing rules and procedures cooked refrigerated potato for the food service that address and protect the plant’s interests, yet industry. A new retail category was created in the still assure adherence to Jewish dietary laws. late 1980s by the introduction of the Simply Pota- Instead of creating additional paperwork, kosher toes® and Diner’s Choice® brands. The products, certification has actually streamlined our quest for new ingredients and suppliers. Our customers demand the Our customers demand the best, and the OU ❝ helps us meet that expectation every time. North- best, and the OU helps us meet ern Star is proud to carry the OU symbol and looks forward to growing our business with the OU on that expectation every time❞ our label. To find out more information on Northern Star products or the Simply Potatoes® and Diner’s Choice® retail brands, please visit available in the dairy or meat sections of grocery http://www.MichaelFoods.com stores, allowed the country for the first time to or call 1.800.248.3447. U take advantage of products with a fresh potato taste but required minimum preparation by the Mary Erickson consumer. In 1997, Northern made the decision to Quality Assurance Manager leave the frozen French fry market and concentrate its resources on its growing refrigerated potato products line. For applications This decision marked Northern Star’s desire to to certify focus on production of an extended shelf life NEW COMPANIES refrigerated product that would exceed customer’s expectations for quality. It was at this time that or Northern Star began investigating the kosher certification process, intending not only to enhance ADDITIONAL the quality of the product but also to give our PLANTS, products wider appeal and increase the availability call Civie Birnbaum at to consumers seeking kosher foods for dietary or other reasons. the OU Applications When searching for certifying agencies, we Desk, 212.613.8249. wanted to partner with an organization that held

6 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 OU COMPANIES Speak

Potatoes by Drew Facer

ASED NEAR Idaho Falls, Idaho–the heart of As the most highly recognized symbol in the potato country–Idahoan® Foods has a 42 year international market, the OU certification gives Btradition of offering innovative products that Idahoan products a more universal appeal in a match consumers’ desire for delicious, easy-to- global community while also affording the com- make potatoes. Popular in the United States and pany a competitive advantage in the foodservice around the world, Idahoan products continue to industry. Furthermore, consumers recognize the rank high in taste, quality and value. In fact, Ida- OU symbol on a product’s packaging as a designa- hoan’s only business is potatoes, thus allowing the tion of excellence and quality from the world’s company to focus all attention on the quality con- largest and most respected kosher certification trol details that result in an exceptional potato agency. product. Idahoan Foods is deeply honored to bear the Idahoan Foods has proudly been kosher certi- prestigious OU symbol on its packaging. The long- fied by the OU since 1970. The decision to become standing relationship that the companies have kosher certified was natural for Idahoan based on shared is one that Idahoan is extremely proud of their commitment to service consumers’ needs and and hopes to carry on for many years into the the desire to provide quality food products to a future. U larger audience. The decision to seek certification from the OU was equally simple. Simply… because Drew Facer the Orthodox Union is the best. Idahoan® Foods Michel St-Arneault Inc.

ICHEL ST-ARNEAULT INC. is a manufacturer of acceptance and trust in this area of the country we French Fried potatoes located in St-Hubert, must have the OU on our products. We then con- MQuebec. The company first specialized in tacted Sheia Itzkowitz, the President of TriMe Asso- pre-peeled products: potatoes, carrots and onions. ciates, a well-respected food broker in Brooklyn, In 1989, Michel St-Arneault Inc. enjoyed a New York to handle our representation in New tremendous expansion with the arrival of Quali- York and New Jersey. Fresh, a fresh but pre-cooked French fried potato. Four years into our business plan we have In May 1994, in order to break into the export exceeded our numbers and enjoy an excellent rep- market, the company decided to add frozen utation in the industry. Our expertise is the private French fried potatoes to its variety of products. label business and we service many kosher dis- The potatoes that we use are primarily grown tributors under their own labels. in Quebec, New Brunswick and Maine. We use We attribute our continued success to the varieties of potatoes such as Russet Burbank, Shep- Orthodox Union. ody, Hilite, Gold Rush and Chieftan. If it were not for the OU’s leadership and guid- In 1998 Michel St-Arneault Inc. decided to ance, we could not have achieved our goals so eas- concentrate on the United States for its export ily. Our relationship with the OU has been a business. The business plan was to focus primarily pleasant experience and one we have benefited on the Northeastern region of the U. S. in foodser- from since day one. I hope that this relationship vice and retail. However, before we sold one item will last for years to come. U in the United States we contacted the OU Kashruth Division. Under their supervision we Fred Trani became a kosher certified manufacturing facility. Vice-President of Sales U.S.A. We knew through our research that to attain Michel St-Arneault Inc.

www.ou.org 7 DEARABBI

In the short time since our first issue appeared, Behind the Union Symbol has become an indispensable resource for the kosher industry. The Symbol is the first place OU certified companies turn for information and, increasingly, advice. To address this thirst for guidance and direction, we are pleased to present to you our newest feature–our advice columnist–DeaR abbi.

deal. Making the exact same mark (but visible to the eye) is unaccept- DeaR abbi: on the Mona Lisa, however, would able in kosher food, a standard On my schedule A, it often states be an international incident. Even much more rigorous than most pro- “Not from Israel without acceptable items that are normally innocuous ducers demand of themselves. certification.” Why is an ingredient must bear an acceptable kosher cer- Although most fruits and vegetables sourced from Israel unacceptable tification when sourced in Israel. may be used without concern while the exact same item from Regarding your neighbor’s brother- because they are presumed to be somewhere else is? Shouldn’t it be in-law, I would suggest that he bug-free, there are a number which just the opposite? My neighbor’s enroll in an English as a second lan- research has shown to be prone to brother-in-law is from Israel and I guage class before he really embar- infestation. Since it is so common asked him what this meant. He told rasses himself. for bugs to be present in these me that he didn’t know anything items, kosher law requires that we about ingredients but he did know DeaR abbi: assume they are present until they that he was acceptably certified I collect butterflies, moths and are inspected and either proven to when he was a baby. Can you woolly caterpillars. In fact, I have be insect free or the insects are explain what this is all about? quite an extensive collection removed. By the way, you are cor- Signed, Quizzical in Quincy. (would you like me to email some rect that bugs do not eat kosher. pictures of it?). While I like insects They do not have to since they are Dear Quizzical: of all kinds, I certainly don’t want not Jewish. In fact, bugs have no You are definitely not the first to ask any of them ending up in our prod- religion at all. They are Insectarian. this question and I am certain that uct. That is why I don’t understand you will not be the last. Although why my schedule A will sometimes DeaR abbi: the details are complex, let’s try a say that a certain ingredient “Must My husband (I’ll call him Tony) is simple explanation. A number of be free of bug infestation.” You the Q.C. Director at a large OU cer- extra rules apply to products com- don’t have to tell us that! Do you tified plant. He is very dedicated to ing from Israel, such as the obliga- think that we want insects in our keeping to the schedule A and he tion to tithe produce and refrain food? And what does the Orthodox calls it his bible. That’s why I’m from using items grown during the Union have against bugs anyway? turning to you for advice. While on Sabbatical year. Many of these rules My co-workers and I decided it is business in San Francisco recently, are biblical in origin and have their probably because bugs don’t eat he went to see the towering Red- source in the book of Leviticus. kosher. woods at Redwood National Park. These requirements do not apply to Signed, Abuzz in Aberdeen Tony was humbled by these products from anywhere else. immense, powerful giants of nature. Because Israel is considered a Dear Abuzz: He felt it isn’t fair that we don’t special place in kosher law, items Of course the Orthodox Union does have them here on the East coast that come from there are much not think that you would allow too, so when the tour guide had his more sensitive due to their special insects in your product. What you back turned, Tony cut off a twig and status. It’s like making a mark with may not be aware of is, however, hid it in his coat. When he came a pen on a painting. If the mark is that kosher has an absolute zero tol- home, he planted it in the back- made on the picture your daughter erance level for insects in food. yard. Abbi, this tree will be 300 feet painted in pre-school, it is no big Even one insect the size of a pin tall in less than 200 years! What

8 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 ❝How fortunate you are that your Rabbis see their supervision as painting a masterpiece, creating a work of art❞ will the neighbors say? I have no dedicated as you say, he will send it Because of the need to kosherize idea how to convince Tony to send it back immediately. equipment and the deviation from back. Please help return this national the normal production procedures, treasure to its rightful home. Dear Rabbi: the OU requires that a rabbinic field Signed, Pleading in Plainfield Kudos to the Orthodox Union for representative be present to super- being on the cutting edge of foster- vise the production and verify that ing employee self esteem! I am an the product was produced properly Dear Pleading: industrial psychologist who is the in accordance with pareve require- I share your concern about the pur- H.R. director for an OU certified ments. The same is true of kosher loining of this precious national company. Ivan in our receiving product made in a non-certified resource and think I can help you to department showed me a copy of his facility on lines that were kosherized return this aristocrat of nature to its schedule A with a notation by a few specifically for that run. Since such a natural habitat. Before I tell you of the ingredients that says “Must situation is “abnormal”, it is impor- what to do, I need to give you some Bear Rabbi’s Signature.” How bril- tant that the kosher symbol on the background. Every kosher certified liant! There are few things that raise product indicate that the unusual item has a letter of certification writ- a person’s self esteem more than circumstances were taken into ten for it by the certifying Rabbi or signing their work. It is the theory of account and that the run was prop- agency. This letter spells out the recognition of a job well done and erly supervised. Therefore, many exact details, terms and specific con- increases a person’s satisfaction in kosher certification agencies will ditions that fall within the scope of their efforts by prominently putting specify in the letter of certification the certification granted by that par- their name on a finished product. that these “special” products are ticular Rabbi/agency to that product. What genius! How fortunate you are only acceptable if they bear the Sometimes, after reviewing a letter of that your Rabbis see their supervi- Rabbi’s signature, which indicates certification submitted to the Ingre- sion as painting a masterpiece, creat- that he was present for the produc- dient Approval Registry for approval, ing a work of art, a la Matisse, Degas tion. Signature, by the way, does not the IAR will determine that the par- and Van Gogh, who also signed their always mean a signature. It could be ticular product does not fall within work. One short comment, though: a hand-stamp or, more recently, the the parameters of the kosher system none of us read Hebrew, so we special lot-coded, production spe- the OU has established in the plant. haven’t yet figured out what the cific stickers with control numbers The IAR will then issue an adden- Rabbi’s signature looks like. But that that the OU has begun to use. The dum to the plant’s schedule A that doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate “signature clause” is just meant to classifies the ingredient as either his work just the same! Please share rule out a pre-printed symbol and to “Group 6: Allowed” (may not be that with him. I prefer to remain require a clear sign that the Rabbi used in certified products but is Anonymous in Alabama was present. By the way, if you can- allowed in the plant for use in non- not read Hebrew but need to find the certified production) or “Group 6: Dear Anonymous: Rabbi’s signature, let me offer this Not Allowed”: (may not be stored or While I would like to take credit for suggestion: Learn to read Hebrew or used in the plant under any circum- promoting good psychological ask your rabbinic representative to stance). In addition, the addendum health, most of the responsibility for show it to you the next time he visits. will explain why the item may not this lies with the company that man- be used. “Certificate not acceptable” ufactures the product requiring the Be sure to join us in our next means that the standard indicated in signature. The reason the Rabbi must issue when we begin another new the ingredient’s letter of certification sign the label has very little to do feature: Ask Dr. Kash-Ruth U is incompatible with the standard in with self-esteem but everything to place in the OU certified facility. So, do with kosher supervision. There Rabbi Avrohom Stone here’s what you do. Tell Tony that are some facilities which regularly serves as Rabbinic Field Repre- you received a note from the OU manufacture product that is, let’s sentative in the Tri-State area. His article “Schedule A: that said “Redwood Trees from Cali- say, dairy. Sometimes they have a Easy As 1-2-3” appeared in fornia–Group 6 Not Allowed: certifi- need to manufacture a non-dairy, the Winter/Spring 2000 issue cate not acceptable.” If he’s as pareve product on their equipment. of Behind the Union Symbol.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 www.ou.org 9 INDUSTRY Trends

By Rabbis Michoel Coleman and Yossi Nemes Let’s Get HE CHEMICAL and food Many people size and contain various units industries are becoming are surprised that chemicals and terminals. Terminal A may Tincreasingly interconnected require kosher supervision. Com- unload a non-kosher product as chemicals are now being used pany personnel as well as con- such as glycerin while Termi- either as raw materials involved sumers may ask, “What could be nal C, half a mile down the road, in food packaging or as ingredi- wrong with a chemical? If it is may unload a kosher product ents injected directly into food colorless, odorless and tasteless, such as propylene glycol. The processing to effect the PH or and if I cannot pronounce it or hoses that are used to unload the reaction and only later stripped spell it, what could be not-kosher tanker or truck of non-kosher or filtered out. about it?” glycerin cannot be used to Therefore the kosher reliabil- Despite the fact that chemi- unload a kosher tank truck ity of chemicals is important to cals may seem harmless, there because of cross-contamination both kosher consumers and the can be many factors that desig- issues. food industry. Many chemical nate the chemical as non-kosher. Additionally, while OU pol- companies have been able to Glycerol Monostearate, for icy in regard to food plants is increase their sales in the food or example is non-kosher because it that the RFR must have immedi- food packaging industries by is of animal origin. Several years ate access during all production hours, this is sometimes difficult in chemical plants, due to the Many chemical companies have been able nature of the industry and secu- ❝ rity issues, especially since 9/11. to increase their sales in the food or food In certain cases the OU can work out a system where appoint- ments can be scheduled before packaging industries by choosing to get the Rabbi comes. Of course, in situations where there are a lot of kosher certification from the OU❞ kosher-sensitive raw materials or special kosher runs, the RFR may receive a permanent security choosing to get kosher certifica- ago, there was a situation where clearance badge and car tag for tion from the OU. a company wanted to make a regular unannounced visits. The chemical industry, from more perfect crystal and since When the RFR arrives, he notifies a kosher perspective, comes with they thought it would not mat- the supervisor (who usually a whole host of challenges that ter, they added a small amount enjoys seeing someone from the are unique to chemical produc- of an emulsifier to the product outside world at 2:30am!) that he tion. For one, most of the raw that turned out to be not-kosher. will be inspecting the plant. materials arrive in bulk or by When it comes to the actual Some chemical companies pipeline without labels, and sec- structure of a chemical plant, are classified as “group 1” which ondly, the physical natures of the there are some significant differ- means that all raw materials are plants are quite unlike food ences. For one thing, chemical kosher no matter what their establishments. plants are often much larger in source is, and our role is to mon-

10 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 mical he C ❝All raw materials must be submitted to the Orthodox Union in order to be registered in the ingredient registry❞

itor that both the process and special care when being admitted All these issues are best han- status of the raw materials into the facility. They must meet dled on a case-to-case basis by remains unchanged. the requirements as specified in the experienced research staff of Many chemical companies, that company’s Schedule A. the OU, in close coordination however, have numerous raw In order to insure there are with the RFR, the RC and the materials that are of kosher con- no problems, all raw materials companies. cern. One such plant is Georgia must be submitted to the Ortho- Since this article was written Gulf in Plaquemine, Louisiana in dox Union in order to be regis- during hurricane season, and as a which case we created a partner- tered in the ingredient registry. matter of fact, between two ship with Dr. Shuman Chiang Any ingredient—even if it will not storms battering Louisiana, a trib- (technical services manager pvc be used in production for the next ute to the dedication of Chemical resins division) and worked out three years—must be submitted. Company employees is in order. an extensive method of docu- Furthermore, there are com- In New Orleans, when a hur- mentation for the sources of the panies where there are equip- ricane threatens, everyone either kosher sensitive raw materials ment issues because of evacuates or heads home and which are bulk delivered. non-kosher chemicals in the battens down the hatches with Some certified Chemical unit. For example, when certify- their family for the duration. companies produce products ing a product that shared equip- The exceptions are essential per- that include non-kosher raw ment with a Tallowamine there sonnel such as law enforcement materials such as non-kosher was a kashrut issue. Only after officers, select government offi- stearates and glycerines. These the RFR and RC are able to get cials, and, of course, journalists. companies then institute special the basic information of when I remember a few years ago, kosher runs for the same prod- the tallow is turned into an when a hurricane hit Pensacola, I ucts. At Crompton-Witco in Taft, amine, at what temperature and called a contact of ours over at Louisiana, Steve Hebert, Jeffrey at which facility, are we able to Solutia Chemical to see how she Ramos and the entire staff have proceed and work out a solution rode out the storm: Did she evac- developed an efficient kosher satisfactory for all involved. uate or go home? She told me run strategy where the equip- At Rhodia in Baton Rouge that she and a crew of employees ment is cleaned, the kosher raw the staff of the Cathyval unit remained at the plant to make materials are verified, and all the alerted us to the fact that occa- sure that everything was safe and empty packages are saved, batch sionally the product is reworked secure in order to protect the by batch, until they can be into the system after a kosher plant and the environment! U released by Rabbi Nemes during sensitive raw material is added by his frequent visits. one of their customers. After a Rabbi Michoel Coleman In addition, certain raw mate- cooperative effort between the serves as the rabbinic rials are kosher certified with OU and Rhodia, the raw material coordinator for many of the extra stipulations such as a rabbi’s was added in Baton Rouge and Orthodox Union’s certified signature or a specific lot number comes in with a kosher label on chemical companies. on the container. It is very each bag. The upgrade was so Rabbi Yossie Nemes important that plant personnel effective that the unit is now not serves as the rabbinic field be aware that such ingredients only kosher but also kosher for representative for Southern are kosher sensitive and require Passover! Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

www.ou.org 11 OU COMPANIES Speak

CARGILLCONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

nizing this, ChemTreat realized it would be to our advantage to be in the forefront of this aspect of the food industry evolution. HEMTREAT WAS incorporated in 1968 and is one We became involved with kosher issues after dis- of America’s most rapidly growing industrial cussing specialty product needs with several client Cwater treatment companies. Continued expan- companies. We recognized the advantage of obtain- sion has allowed ChemTreat to evolve into the largest ing a complete understanding of the kosher process privately owned water as a service to our customers. ChemTreat has, at the treatment company in request of the OU and customer plants, developed the United States, spe- specialty products such as our CT-9082, a liquid bit- cializing in boiler and tering agent used for protecting against contamina- cooling water treatment. tion of kosher products by non-kosher substances. Service, ChemTreat’s The OU has been a strong supporter of primary focus, is sup- ChemTreat because of this product development. We ported by the most cur- have recognized and realized a great business benefit rent technology in our due to our kosher certification program and the sup- laboratory and research port we receive from the OU. U and development facilities. Our corporate staff, Jettye B. Austin another key to our service excellence, provides the Regulatory Affairs Coordinator highest level of technical support in the industry. ChemTreat became involved with the OU because Rabbi Michoel Coleman of the increasing demand in the food industry for serves as the Orthodox Union’s rabbinic kosher certified products in the United States. Recog- coordinator for Chem Treat

Achieving kosher certification and living up to the high kosher standards requires additional focus on many issues such as procedures, training, traceability and accountability. With this added focus we have ROMPTON CORPORATION was founded in 1850 as a seen major improvement in all of these areas. We textile machinery company. Since then they have believe this is good for the business, but most impor- Cgrown and diversified into a global producer and tantly, good for customers of our kosher products: marketer of polymer products and specialty chemicals 1034K, a solid ingredient of Food and Drug Adminis- with annual sales of approximately $2.7 billion. tration-approved meat wrap, and Drapex® 6.8, an Crompton has about 7,000 employees and 35 manu- ingredient of plastic bottles, baby bottles nipples and facturing facilities in 12 countries. Our success is food storage containers. rooted in our quality products and our unwavering Meeting kosher standards means we have prod- commitment to customer service, backed by the ucts that are more competitive because they appeal to strength of our brands: Witco, Uniroyal Chemical, OSi a broader range of consumers. We have chosen OU Specialties and Davis-Standard. kosher certification because the OU trademark is so Crompton’s Taft, LA, facility was built in 1966 as highly respected. The OU’s commitment to quality is Argus Chemical, a division of Witco. We are located 25 apparent in our daily dealings with Rabbi Yossie miles up the Mississippi river from New Orleans. The Nemes. His professionalism along with his honest original plant had one operating unit producing epoxy concern for meeting or exceeding all kosher standards plasticizers and employed approximately 20 people. has given us a very positive attitude about what the Taft now has four operating units, epoxy, tin, thio and OU is doing. U mixed metals. We employ 180 full–time company employees and 100 contractors. Our product line is pre- Steven Hebert dominantly vinyl additives, such as epoxy plasticizers, Mixed Metals Unit Specialist heat stabilizers, vinyl lubricants, and UV stabilizers. Crompton Corporation

12 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 HEN CARGILL WAcidulants discovered an innovative process to make glucosamine from a naturally occur- ring, shellfish-free source, they Carcidulantsgill To Market looked to the OrthodoxA Union to help differentiate the product. “The OU was an ideal partner for kosher OU Certified certification of this landmark product, and the guidance from Rabbi Eliyahu Safran, Senior Rabbinic Shellfish-Free Coordinator, and Rabbinic Coordi- nator Rabbi Donneal Epstein was Glucosamine most helpful. The OU recognized the product solution that Cargill’s Regenasure™ would offer to indi- viduals who look to kosher products for quality and control of ingredients” states Brent Rogers, a Cargill Acidulants R&D Applications Chemist. “Most importantly, the OU helped us differentiate Regena- sure™ because of our unique process. The OU has certified Regenasure™ as kosher pareve and Kosher for Passover, and has additionally certified it kosher glucosamine in reducing pain and glucosamine that is produced in an for food, since the glucosamine is improving function in patients with environmentally sound manner derived from a non-shellfish source.” knee osteoarthritis. “Consumers are according to the Food and Drug Glucosamine used in dietary supple- educating themselves to work Administration’s Hazard Analysis ments today is derived from shellfish, closely with their physicians on the and Critical Control Points which can cause an allergic reaction in maintenance of their health,” said (HACCP) guidelines in an ISO-9000 some people. Tim Bauer, Cargill Acidulants Direc- registered facility.” Glucosamine is a product for tor of Sales & Marketing. Cargill’s Cargill is currently providing the dietary supplement industry Regenasure™ glucosamine will be samples to interested customers for that has been shown with clinical sold in the hydrochloride form, use in their research and develop- studies to provide significant thera- which has 83% active glucosamine ment efforts and expects to produce peutic relief for osteoarthritis and as compared to the sulfate form, commercial volumes of the product joint pain. Although the mecha- which has 50.7% active glucosamine in early 2003. nism is not yet entirely known, it is in an equal dosage of each product. Cargill Acidulants is part of believed that glucosamine is a limit- “As the oldest and largest Cargill, Incorporated, an interna- ing component in the synthesis of kosher certification agency, the OU tional marketer, processor and dis- cartilage. was able to lend its reputation as tributor of agricultural, food, The Centers for Disease Control well as its expertise to the kosher financial and industrial products and Prevention recently announced certification process,“ Bauer ex- and services with 97,000 employees that almost 70 million American plained “This product offers dietary in 59 countries. The company pro- adults, or 1 in 3, have arthritis, mak- supplement manufacturers the vides distinctive customer solutions ing it the nation’s leading cause of opportunity to label their consumer in supply chain management, food disability. The U. S. National Insti- branded packages as containing a applications and health and nutri- tutes of Health is currently conduct- kosher certified material. Our pro- tion. For more information call ing a multi-year clinical trial prietary process will ensure cus- Tim Bauer at Cargill Acidulants, designed to test the effectiveness of tomers a stable and safe supply of 800.344.1633. U

www.ou.org 13 Telling It Like It Is by David Olivestone

Y OLDER BROTHER called me on his cellphone from a Mdiner, somewhere in Nebraska, far from any major, or even minor, Jewish population center. He was driving cross-country, from the George Washington Bridge in New York City to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, some- actually a perception in the minds bol. Suffice it to say that it’s going to thing he’d “always wanted to do.” of many people that kosher is be an exciting and very user- directly connected with quality. But friendly way for people to learn while there may be some truth to about kosher and have all their that perception, that’s not exactly questions answered. When it is what Heinz contracted for with the complete, it will also have several ❝Going kosher is an Orthodox Union all those years ago. outstanding features that will help So, in partnership with our you promote your product to the investment your company clients, we should explore whatever kosher market in very creative ways. has made in order to avenues are available to us to edu- Meanwhile, there are other sim- cate the public about the signifi- ple options we can suggest. We’d be increase market reach cance of our kosher symbol. happy to send you some clear, basic One easy step is for us to do a text about what kosher means that and share❞ “link swap” on our respective web- you can use in your own promo- sites. We will send you the OU logo tions. Or if you want to produce to be placed on your site and linked some targeted promotional materi- He had stopped for a cup of cof- to ours. This will allow anyone vis- als—flyers, brochures, newspaper fee at the diner, and when he sat iting your site, who wants to know ads, etc.—to help you make the down, the OU logo on a ketchup more about what that little round most of your kosher status, we can bottle on the table somehow caught symbol means, to come directly to either help you with these ideas his eye. That made him think of the source. ourselves or direct you to an agency me. But, before calling me, and just In return, we will feature the specializing in kosher. out of curiosity, he asked the wait- logos of any of your OU-certified Going kosher is an investment ress if she could tell him what that brands or products you wish to send your company has made in order to little round symbol meant. us, with links to your website, on a increase market reach and share. “That?” she replied firmly, and new page we are in the process of We stand ready to assist you in any with a clear certainty that could not setting up on www.oukosher.org.* way we can in achieving your be challenged, “that’s a quality This will help highlight your prod- goals. U assurance symbol.” ucts in the kosher market, since our Well, I have no doubt that our website is one of the most visited David Olivestone friends at Heinz—who were actually Jewish sites in the world. is Director of Communications the first to use the OU logo on any Actually, we are now in the and Marketing at the Orthodox product some 80 years ago—would process of completely overhauling Union. He can be reached at be quite pleased that to hear that and redesigning the OUKosher web- [email protected]. waitresses everywhere are doing site, with a host of new features their part in promoting the quality which we hope to announce in the * To have your logo placed on our special client page on www.oukosher.org, send a of their ketchup. In fact, there is next issue of Behind the Union Sym- .gif file to [email protected].

14 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 Meeting with a group of the ASK OU 6 participants at Orthodox Union headquarters are: (seated right to left) Mr. Harvey Blitz, President OU, Rabbi Menachem Genack OU Kashruth Rabbinic Administrator, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, OU Executive Vice Pres- ident and Rabbi Yosef Grossman, Director ASK OU.

ASKOU CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 MARKETING Session and seminar leaders included kashrut experts including Rabbis TIPS Yerachmiel Morrison and Abraham Juravel of the OU’s Ingredients Research Department, Rabbis Lenny Steinberg and Dov Schreier of the OU’s Food Ser- If You’ve Got It— vice Department, Rabbis Yehuda Kravitz and Aharon Teitelbaum who Flaunt It. focused on issues and concerns of the kosher meat industry and Rabbi F Moshe Perlmutter who demonstrated techniques and details of industrial Letting your customers Kosherization. The “hands–on” experiences of the program included visits know that you are OU to Alle Packing Co. in Maspeth, NY, for a close up view of all that is involved certified should be as in meat supervision, a trip to the Maplewood Beverage Packers in Maple- much a part of your mar- wood, NJ, where the OU certifies AriZona Beverage products, and Oasis keting strategy as any Foods Co. in Hillside N.J, for a close–up view of industrial kosherization other significant benefit procedures your product offers. As the OU has gained a reputation for being the largest kosher certification agency, certifying 250,000 products produced in nearly 5,000 plants FBe sure the OU logo is located in more than 60 countries around the world, it has also become the clearly visible in your international center for the education and enlightenment of kosher super- advertising—either on vision personnel. U the product label or elsewhere in the ad.

FFeature OU certification on your website—see accompanying article for details of how to get THE OU HAS ALWAYS BEEN HERE FOR YOU. By phone, fax, e-mail, Inter- net or our interaction during on-site visits to your plants, we have been your logo on our web- ready and available to assist your company’s kosher program. Through com- site, and ours on yours. munication you have been able to obtain essential information to increase FAsk our marketing the kosher opportunities for your company. department how best HOWEVER, INCREASINGLY, THE OU IS ALSO THERE FOR YOU. Where? to reach the kosher At international food trade shows across the globe. Recently, we exhibited at consumer—thousands of Salon International de L’Alimentation (more commonly known by its them contact us every acronym SIAL) in Paris, France. This event drew close to 135,000 visitors, day about food products 50% of them international and 5,240 corporate exhibitors from 98 countries. they can buy, places The OU booth was the source for kosher certification information at they can shop and eat, SIAL 2002. We showcased products and advertising literature for many of and information about our certified companies. kosher in general. Our booth was a vital meeting place that facilitated exchanges between global food company representatives and kashrus experts. We were able to FPlan special promotions suggest hard-to-find suppliers for some companies while for others, we were around Jewish holidays: able to make the right connection to open new markets for importing or Passover (March/April), exporting their OU Kosher certified product. Still others began the process Rosh Hashanah (Sep- of obtaining the world’s most recognized kosher symbol and received a tember) and Chanukah much sought after OU mouse pad to boot! (December) are the Whether at the Foodex Japan, the IFT Expo in Chicago or the NASFT most widely observed. Fancy Food Show on both the East and West Coasts, the OU will continue to be here and there for you!

www.ou.org 15 ON THE with a Rabbinic Coordinator Welcome to another installment ROAD of “On the Road,” a column that features OU RFRs’ experiences while certifying plants throughout the world. This report comes from by Rabbi Eliyahu Safran the exotic region of Turkey.

Let’s Talk Turkey

OST PEOPLE from Turkey do fectioner to the Ottoman Court, Hazer Baba began operations in not simply refer to it as Turk- who assigned special tasters to sam- 1988 as a major manufacturer and Mish Delight, a name invented ple each batch before it reached the exporter of Turkish Delight [avail- by an unknown British traveler who lips of the Sultan and his many able with the Hazer Baba and Balgin took this mouth watering confec- wives. Having become part of the brand names] and now exports its tion back to London in the 18th Turkish culture for centuries since, products to more than 15 countries century; they call it by its proper the recipe has remained virtually throughout Europe with a particu- name rahat lokum. Rahat is a Turk- unchanged from its inception. larly large volume going to England ish word, meaning peace or con- Always eager to please the Sultan, and more recently to the United tentment so the English traveler who the confectioners blended a concoc- States and Israel. Hazer Baba’s strict dubbed it delight was not far off. tion of sugar syrup, various natural quality controls are reminiscent of Legend has it that this food of fruit flavorings, nuts and dried the Sultan’s court. It too tests and contentment was created by Hadji fruits, which were then bound with analyzes each batch to assure the Bekir, who handed down the mastic [gum arabic]. Eventually, the company’s exacting requirements. delight to his son and grandson. In delicately scented and sugary sweet An old Turkish aphorism 1776 during the reign of Sultan Lokum, better known in the West as prompts one to” eat sweetly and Abdulhamid I, Bekir Effendi, a fully Turkish Delight, was created. The speak sweetly.” Sweets have always apprenticed confectioner, arrived in Sultan was so taken by this elegant been an important component of Constantinople from a small town new creation that a plate of lokum Turkish cuisine. The atmosphere in Anatolia. Bekir did not bring was served at daily feasts in the and attitude at Hazer Baba confirms much with him. He came with just Ottoman Court. that old Turkish tradition as Yusuf a few copper cauldrons and set up Today, this sweet choice, which Erkutlu, the Quality Assurance his business in a little shop in the finely complements coffee and Manager, proudly shares the center of town. He brought with sweetens the breath at the end of delights. him his secret recipe for a delicious meals, is certified kosher by the Among major companies certi- new sweetmeat, which quickly won Orthodox Union and produced by fied by the OU in Turkey, Super fame and fortune. Gifted with Hazer Baba in Istanbul, Turkey (one Cikolata located just around the cor- energy, enterprise and originality, of a growing number of companies ner from Hazer Baba in Istanbul, is a he was soon appointed Chief Con- seeking OU certification in Turkey). producer of fine chocolate products

❝An old Turkish aphorism prompts one to ‘eat sweetly and speak sweetly’❞

16 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 would get our including products into markets chocolate we could never have coins and bars, seashell assort- dreamt of selling to… ments, filled chocolate eggs Having lost our entrée and balls. Established over to certain Eastern Euro- twenty years ago by Mr. Metin pean markets, the OU Altug who currently serves as has opened up new and the president, the company expanding avenues has continued to expand its high Life in New York. More recently throughout America, Canada and quality Bella brand and recently Super Cikolata began producing its Israel.” Having seen the immediate attained OU certification, allowing it sumptuous OUD Bella Milk Choco- results of Bella’s OU certification, Mr. to immediately sell products late with peanut butter filling for Metin anticipates that many other throughout the United States. Ably Associates Worldwide Inc. of Florida. Turkish companies “will soon join assisted by Murat Gurdamar of the At a meeting held in the Istanbul the growing list of Turkish compa- Export Department, Mr. Metin Altug Export Union on October 30, 2002, nies certified OU kosher, and who also ably leads the Istanbul Mr. Metin addressed a large group of attain the world’s premier kosher Exporters Union, has quickly pene- companies seeking to expand their certification.” U trated the American and North exports worldwide, “I had not real- Rabbi Yossi Tirnauer American kosher market using the ized that the OU certification was so serves as the Orthodox Union’s company’s expertise in production widely respected and recognized rabbinic field representative in of holiday chocolate coins for Rite throughout the world, and that it Turkey.

Among the companies certified by the Orthodox Union in Turkey:

U Baser Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret, U Proctor & Gamble–Detergent Division, Mugla, Turkey Istanbul, Turkey

U Salkim Tarim, Manisa, Turkey U Hazer Baba, Istanbul, Turkey U Sibas San Ve Ticaret A.S., U Hemsi Tarim Urunleri Tic Ve Sa. Soke/Aydin, Turkey Ltd, Kemalpasa, Turkey U Tamek Gida Ve Konsantre Sanayli A.S.

U Kutas Tarim Urunleri Dis Ticaret Bursa, Turkey Ve San. Izmir, Turkey U Taris Zeytin Ve Zeytinyogi, Izmir, Turkey

U Pastavilla Makarnacilik, Boznova U Verde Yag, Besin Maddeleri, Izmir, Turkey Izmir, Turkey

www.ou.org 17 WE JUST BECAME and Gold Buckle Brisket Sauce. ALLE- OU CERTIFIED GRO has also recently introduced the LLEGRO MARINADE was formu- NEW ALLEGRO Flavor Injectors that lated in 1955 by Dave and consist of Mesquite for Beef and But- ABetsy Wilcox. The couple did ter Roasted Garlic for Poultry. not have the money for expensive ALLEGRO decided to become cuts of meat so they would cook kosher because of the growing inexpensive meats in water to help made available for sale, so Dave and demand for kosher pareve items. tenderize them. Tired of their meats Betsy started filling small bottles one Since becoming certified by the OU always tasting bland, they decided to by one, to sell to their customers in the marketing research has reflected spend time in the kitchen experi- the restaurant. Due to the demand, these statistics. Getting certified was menting with natural ingredients they closed the restaurant in 1979 hard work. However, working closely until they came up with the perfect and focused on the production and with professionals, such as Rabbi Yitz- marinade to allow grill cooking. In retail sales of their family marinade. chok Mincer (rabbinic coordinator), 1965, Dave and Betsy Wilcox moved Since then, ALLEGRO has become the Rabbi Yehuda Boroosan (rabbinic to Paris, Tennessee. After a career in market leader in marinades through- field representative) and Ms. Civie another business, in 1972 Dave out the South, while helping to cre- Rosner (administrative assistant) opened a restaurant specializing in ate an entirely new category in the made our process possible and easier. Italian foods and marinated steaks. grocery trade. The product line has It was worth our efforts after all and This restaurant was where the public expanded to include five new mari- our special thanks to them. U first tasted the Wilcox’s unique marinades to the ALLEGRO Original for- nade. Soon, customers were request- mula. Included are Hickory Smoke, Noriyuki (Rick) Horiuchi ing that bottles of the marinade be Hot & Spicy, Teriyaki, GAME TAME International Director of Marketing It’s important to keep the line of communication open between YOU and your RABBINIC COORDINATOR. BELOW ARE THE E-MAIL ADDRESSES AND PHONE EXTENSIONS FOR OUR RCS. The address consists of the user name and “@ou.org” (e.g. [email protected]). Please don’t hesitate to call your RC whenever you need anything by dialing 212.613.8 plus the 3-digit extension listed below, or by sending an e-mail.

AdlerM 250 Menachem Adler HowardK 169 Howard Katzenstein BendelsteinY 253 Yisroel Bendelstein KravitzY 322 Yehuda Kravitz BirnhackP 207 Pinchas Birnhack Lebowitz 319 Elimelech Lebowitz BistricerD 274 David Bistricer LubanY 214 Yaakov Luban CohenD 222 David Cohen MendelsonJ 216 Jacob B. Mendelson ColemanM 271 Michoel Coleman MincerY 173 Yitzchok Mincer CywiakB 298 Baruch Cywiak MorrisM 327 Michael Morris ElefantM 211 Moshe Elefant Morrison 133 Raymond Morrison EpsteinD 293 Donneal Epstein NeubergN 205 Nosson Neuberger FerrellE 394 Eliyahu Ferrell OsseyA 314 Avrum Ossey FrischH 312 Herbert Frisch Paretzky 204 Yisroel Paretzky SallyG 215 Menachem Genack PriceG 389 Gavriel Price YosefG 295 Jay Goldberg RabinowitzN 206 Nachum Rabinowitz GoldbergCh 340 Chaim Goldberg RockoveD 315 Dovid Rockove GoldbergN 292 Nosson Goldberg RosenbaumM 347 Moshe Rosenbaum GoodmanZ 294 Zvi Goodman Rothenbergl 200 Israel Rothenberg Gordimer 240 Avrohom Gordimer SafranE 115 Eliyahu Safran GorelikD 203 David Gorelik Scheiner 245 Kalman Scheiner Grossman 212 Joseph Grossman YoelS 220 Yoel Schonfeld Herbsman 210 Chananel Herbsman Schreier 342 Dov Schreier HeschelS 349 Syshe Heschel SingerS 217 Shmuel Singer IndichY 189 Yermia Indich LennyS 281 Leonard Steinberg JuravelA 396 Abraham I. Juravel ZywicaM 219 Moshe Zywica

18 BEHIND THE UNION SYMBOL WINTER2003 RMC numbers IS YOUR KOSHER PROGRAM on your Schedule A— RUNNING SMOOTHLY? for better When your company’s kosher program runs smoothly, everyone wins. OU service The company’s reputation will be respected in the kosher market, In our continued efforts to better serv- rabbinic inspections are more efficient and, in the long run, paperwork ice our companies’ needs, the Ortho- dox Union is now able to incorporate is significantly minimized. The following steps can help ensure that your each plant’s RMCs into the Schedule kosher program is in the best possible shape. A. This new and long-sought feature will make it possible for both plant per- Before an ingredient Be sure that your you in business, but will sonnel and our Rabbinic Field Repre- sentatives to quickly and easily search also make your products 1not appearing on the 5receiving personnel for any and all raw materials in the Schedule A (the ingredient check all incoming easily identifiable plant. When communicating with our list) is ordered, please deliveries against the by rabbinic field reps, Ingredient Department or with your fax a copy of the new Schedule A to assure supervisors and kosher RC, we will all instantly know which ingredient is being discussed. Several ingredient’s kosher conformity to all kosher consumers throughout companies and plants have already the world as meeting documentation to the OU related requirements. successfully integrated the RMCs into for prior approval. kosher specs . their Schedules A. If you would like to Make sure to obtain have your RMCs integrated, please Always apply for 6accurate and complete If you have any call your RC who will guide you with the process. 2approval of new letters of certification 8questions about labels, in-house or (LOC) from the OU for your your company’s kosher *Your current schedule A will be private, before placing products, as these letters program, call your emailed to your plant in Excel for- mat. The Excel sheet contains all the rabbinic coordinator. the OU on the label. are extremely valuable in information currently on the Sched- marketing your products. It is his job to assist your ule A including group #s, certification Inform your rabbinic Please make sure that company and to provide information and comments. There is 3coordinator before any your distributors also the service you deserve. a blank space on the sheet for change that may affect receive copies in order to RMCs, where you will then enter your RMC. Multiple RMCs can be Be sure to tell your kosher issues takes place maximize distribution to entered for the same ingredients (e.g. installation of kosher clients. Inform your 9company’s rabbinic and multiple ingredient descriptions new equipment, cutting rabbinic coordinator 4-6 coordinator of any for the same RMC. or connecting lines, weeks prior to your letter’s changes in personnel *After filling in all of your RMCs, email modification of CIP expiration so a renewed (Q.A. manager, plant the Excel sheet back to your RC who procedures, etc.). letter can be processed for manager) so that the will forward it to our MIS department your company. information is recorded where RMCs will be automatically inputted into your Schedule A. The Make sure that Sched- in our database. Schedule A can now also be sorted 4ules A and B accu- Be sure that your by RMC. rately reflect your certified products Remember, 7 *The RMC project is on a per plant company’s ingredient (retail and industrial) we are here basis. Companies with multiple inventory and certified carry the symbol. to serve your plants may have RMCs that are plant product list. This will not only benefit company. specific. A company may have the same set of RMCs inputted for all plants, provided that there are no It is of the utmost importance that all R&D and experimental co-packers. ingredients be submitted to the OU for prior approval. Use of such *In order to assure the complete ingredients when uncertified, even for test purposes, may compro- accuracy of the RMCs entries, please read the instructions accom- mise the kosher status of equipment, and tracking and reporting panying the Excel sheets and be them unnecessarily burdens your staff and our rabbinic field rep- sure you follow those instructions resentatives. It is always wise to submit any ingredients for prior carefully. approval, in order to save time later should your company wish to If you want to have your Schedule A use these ingredients in the final product. enhanced with this new and useful feature, contact your RC or Rabbi The above synopsis of the OU’s Kosher basics is now available Juravel who will be happy to further in Chinese, Indian dialects, Spanish and Turkish. Please email assist you with the process. [email protected] for copies. Rabbi Juravel can be reached at 212.613.8396 or [email protected].

www.ou.org 19 Carriage House Companies, Inc. NOW Appreciates OU RFR in Spanish! (from: The Carriage House Companies Inc. Corporate Newsletter July 2002) HaveHave YouYou SeenSeen It?It?

OSHE HEIMOWITZ has been our supervis- Geared for food and marketing ing Rabbi from the Orthodox Union for executives, as well as plant Mthe past ten years. During this period personnel, this 15–minute video he has been instrumental in helping our com- explains what kosher really pany meet the requirements necessary for the means and how food becomes OU certified. manufacture of kosher food products. Moshe is very knowledgeable in food processing pro- It can serve as a wonderful cedures, ingredients and sanitation practices. He has been very helpful tool for your in–house Kosher in teaching our staff the needs of a kosher food program. Review Seminar. Moshe lives in Cleveland with his wife and five daughters. He is a Cleveland Indians fan, even in difficult years. Carriage House thanks TO ORDER Moshe for his ten years of service with the Carriage House Company. “THE KOSHER VIDEO”

CALL 212.613.8115 Submitted by: George Pilgrim, Vice President and Technical Specialist E–MAIL [email protected] VISIT WWW.OU.ORG

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