"Beth Kevles wrote:"

> She said that the bigger hechshers (such as OU) understand that they
> are used by people with allergies, and therefore tend to be more
> strict than the smaller hechshers ... BUT this is only a rule of
> thumb!  My web page contains some more detailed information.

Beth,

Thanks!  I will definitely check out your web page.  Fwiw, I received
this letter from an OU representative, after asking about possible dairy
contamination in pareve items.  I don't know how much of it is just CYA
in these days of frequent lawsuits....

--Robyn

--------------------------------8<----------------------------------------


From: "Rosner, Sarah" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: dairy and pareve in same company
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 15:03:25 -0400

Rosh Chodesh, Iyar 1, 5761
Tuesday, April 24, '01

Send comments/questions to:     [log in to unmask]

Re: Would OU Pareve Ensure Dairy Contamination Free?
                                                                0e045
Dear Ms. Kozierok:

Thank you for checking with the OU on your Kashruth question.

The OU currently certifies over 200,000 products. Because of the nature of
Food production, a one lb. bag of sugar and a two lbs. bag of sugar would
count as two products.

While it is OU policy to require the symbol OU-D on every dairy product, an
error can happen where the manufacturer omits the 'D' from the packaging.

For the above reason, it is always a good idea to read the ingredient panel.
You should note that casein or caseinate, lactose, and whey are all dairy.

What's more we wish to emphasize, however, that even if no dairy ingredients
are listed in the ingredients panel, it is possible that the product
contains dairy subunits, which are not clearly identified as such.  For
example, the panel may list  'flavors' as an ingredient, and the flavor may
have a cheese component.

If a company produces dairy and Pareve products on the same equipment, the
OU would require a thorough cleaning in between procedures.  However, while
the cleaning may be adequate to satisfy the Halachic requirements of the
Pareve line, there still may be traces of the dairy product material that
may cause an allergic reaction.

It would be best if you could investigate and purchase a product only if the
production line is not used for dairy products as well.

Please don't hesitate to contact us again should you have any further
questions. With best wishes for your good health and for an enjoyable
summer, we remain,

Sincerely,


The Web (be) Rebbe