Astronomy rejecting gastronomy: the Starbucks Corporation has ended its expanded Star-K kosher information program, according to a Star-K press release issued this week.
“Consumers are advised that effective immediately the Star-K can no longer vouch for the kashrut of items previously listed that do not bear a reliable kosher symbol. This includes frappuccinos and all flavored drinks,” Star-K announced.
In addition, Star-K announced that the Starbucks “kosher-friendly store” program is no longer kosher friendly, at least as far as Star-K is concerned, and the service’s web page has been updated to reflect these changes.
Star-K advised that customers should confirm the kashrut of additives to the Starbucks coffee themselves, by checking for reliable kosher symbols.
Unflavored coffee recommendations remain the same as before.
According to the Star-K, at full service Starbucks stores that serve treif meat, one should avoid buying drinks prepared with equipment that may have been washed with treif equipment. There are drinks (see listed) that are prepared without any contact with questionable equipment and are acceptable at any store. But Star-K cannot recommend any other products in these stores (see items on the list flagged with an X) unless they are packaged with a reliable certification.
The following recommendations are for the USA and Canada only.
All drinks listed here are permissible under one of the following conditions:
The store does not serve meat or cheese items; or when one is traveling (see full elaboration on the website).
Star-K urged consumers who want to see the program reinstated to contact Starbucks directly.
