Jerusalem Kosher News

16 Adar I 5771
February 20, 2011

I have not yet published the kashrus alert which is circulating around N. America pertaining to Gefen sardines until I realized that the product is sold in stores in Israel as well.

Many alerts have been issued, including by the certifying agencies, the OU and Volover Rebbe.

FROM THE OU
Issue:
There is an issue that has been observed (so far exclusively) in Gefen sardines from Portugal canned in 5769 and 5770. Several other brands from other countries have been checked and found to be clean. We have yet to observe the following concern in any other OU sardine products.

OU Mashgichim checking the gut cavities of sardines have recently discovered small white worms around the internal organs of some sardines (not IN the stomachs, which is a separate issue regarding krill in the stomach of some sardines from Canada). These worms can be distinguished from various sardine blood vessels and sinews in that the worms maintain their shape fairly rigidly, even when agitated in water. They can be curled up or spread out, found most commonly on the underside of the ovaries. The Shulchan Aruch differentiates between parasites found in the flesh of fish (which are permitted) and those found in the stomach, head, behind the ears, etc (which are forbidden).

Due to the difficulty involved in removing the parasitic worms found in the abdominal cavity of sardines, consumers are advised to return unopened cans of Gefen sardines from Portugal to their store of purchase, for a full refund.

In addition, skinless and boneless sardine products are free from this issue.

The Orthodox Union continues to research the issue, and will advise further should we discover this issue in any other products.

FROM THE VOLOVER REBBE
The alert refers to the infestation of the “stomach [not the flesh] of the various Gefen fish”.

1. Sardines from Portugal, whether in oil or water, must first be opened and the inside cleaned out thoroughly. If one is not sure how to clean them, then don’t eat them.

2. The ‘skinless and boneless’ sardines are okay.

3. The Bristling sardines from Scotland, whether in water or oil, cannot be cleaned and may not be eaten.

4. The kippered snacks from Canada are okay.

5. All tuna is okay.

Alert from Volover Rebbe