Beware of Fraudulent Kosher Symbols
Chinese Companies Are Faking Kosher Symbols
Hanna Levi Julian, Kosher Consumer Group
The Kashrut.com kosher alert website has issued a warning to consumers that Chinese companies are creating fake kosher supervision logos and applying them to various food products. One example cited by the organization was a fraudulent kosher symbol found on a box of cannoli shells found on Amazon and at Restaurant Depot.
“These bogus kosher symbols are some of the ones offered by companies, many in Asia, particularly India, that sell ‘certification’ services. No recognized rabbinical certification is behind these certifications. One should never rely on a symbol but verify that it is a reliable agency.” Kashrut.com. If you see others, please send to ajms@kashrut.com.
–Reprinted with permission of the Jewish press
Common questions
How to check a kosher symbol
How can I tell if a kosher symbol is genuine?
Ask the supplier for its current Letter of Certification from the agency named on the label, and check that the product is listed on it. STAR-K Letters of Certification are valid for one year and renewed each year, and certified companies share them with their customers.
When can a company put the STAR-K symbol on its label?
Only after STAR-K has verified the kosher status of that product. The symbol may appear only on products that STAR-K has approved.
What should I do if I see a suspicious symbol?
Contact the agency the symbol claims to represent. For anything bearing the STAR-K name or symbol, contact STAR-K directly on +1 410-484-4110 or through our contact page.