OLD FAVORITES RETURN FOR PESACH

FROM KOSHER TODAY (FEB.24, 2013)

NEW YORK — Coca Cola with its distinguished yellow caps will once again be available for this coming Passover (eve of April 14th thru April 22nd), according to the Orthodox Union (OU) that certifies the special run of certain Coke and Sprite products. The products are expected to be on shelves in California, according to a statement issued by Atlanta-based company last year. California is the only state where Coke was asked to comply with a state law designed to reduce levels of a chemical byproduct that California has deemed to be a carcinogen. The chemical is 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MEI, and can be formed when caramel coloring is made for Coke products. In its statement last year, Coke said: “In other states, we are able to provide kosher for Passover products using our traditional caramel, which is safe and complies with all U.S. federal regulations, as well as regulations throughout the world.”

The hot new Greek Yogurt category will be in stores for Passover. Norman’s Yogurt line will include Black Cherry, Strawberry, Peach, Vanilla, Pomegranate, Coffee Light 100 Calorie, Strawberry Light 100 Calorie and Vanilla Light 100 Calorie. Norman’s is also introducing a family 12-pack of Chocolate Leben. Their line of Non Fat Yogurts will include the majority of the current flavors which are Strawberry, Vanilla and Pomegranate. Despite rumors to the contrary, Danon Yogurt will have its traditional limited number of Kosher for Passover items, according to the OU. Also, this year Starkist will launch a limited run of OU-P tuna that was prepared with bishul Yisrael (supervised by a rabbi).