The Vaad Hakashrus Kehillos Chareidim of Lakewood & Central Jersey (KCL) has issued a public kashrus alert regarding the use of Instacart for grocery shopping at kosher supermarkets.
In a notice released to the community, the KCL expressed concern over the growing use of Instacart’s third-party shoppers to fulfill orders placed at kosher establishments. The Vaad says these shoppers may not necessarily be knowledgeable in matters of kashrus, and in many cases, the kosher supermarket may be unaware that the order is being fulfilled through Instacart.
The alert warns that when such orders include fresh meat, fresh fish, deli items, or prepared foods, there is “no reliable assurance that the required chosamos (halachic seals) will be affixed by the kosher establishment.” As a result, items may be delivered without proper halachic safeguards in place.
The KCL strongly recommends that food items requiring halachic seals not be purchased through Instacart at this time. Instead, consumers are urged to order these items directly from the kosher supermarket, ensuring that the store is aware of the halachic requirements and can properly secure the products prior to delivery.
The KCL noted that it is exploring ways to address the concern. In the interim, members of the community are encouraged to exercise caution and follow the guidance outlined in the alert.
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5 Responses
I’m not sure “interesting” is the proper way to title this article.
For many in Lakewood, this is not a surprise. The only surprise is that it took this long for the KCL to put out this notification. Many rabbanim in Lakewood have spoken about this with their kehila in the past year.
Sounds like a great business opportunity for HeimishCart.
I don’t understand why adult Torah observant Jews need to be told that by default, you can’t send a non shomer shabbos person to shop for meat or fish or pizza or sushi for you.
What are they teaching in school these days??
How do these people keep a kosher home?
Or do they?
This reminds me of a story that happened to a neighbor of mine in Boro Park many years ago.
This was BEFORE anyone claimed to have made an eruv there.
Her relatives came for Shabbos from upstate New York. The children were getting ready to go outside on Shabbos afternoon after enjoying “Shabbos Party”.
Some of the not so young kids were heading outside with lollipops and snack bags in hand.
My friend reminded them to finish up or leave the Nosh on the table because you’re not allowed to “carry”.
Her Bar Mitzvah aged nephew responded:
“It’s OK. I’m from New Square. We’re allowed to carry”.
Bizarre headline.
@Thinking out loud cause its the norm for years on end? Just because its weird for you…
Uber Eats its defacto default, its why we have tape.
Gourmet Glatt even suggests Instacart. This isn’t new.
We aren’t going to undercut the existing market, its way too late.
The norm should be proper halachic seals on everything at this point.