Rowntree’s popular Fruit Pastille sweets have lost their kosher status two years after being approved as parev in what will be a bitter pill to swallow for fans of the fruity chews who observe Jewish dietary laws.
The classic British sweet enjoyed by generations of children has been on the market since 1841, but it was not until 2023 that it was approved as kosher by a London beth din after it was reformulated to be vegan.
Now, however, the Kosher London Beth Din (KLBD) has announced that the vegan pastilles are no longer kosher, along with the rest of Rowntree’s vegan range, which comprises Fruit Gums, Strawberry and Blackcurrant Fruit Pastilles and Tropical Tots. Households that keep kosher should discard any packages they have, KLBD said.
Rowntree's ice lollies are not affected by this change and are still suitable for those who keep kosher to consume.
Rabbi Elie Schoemann, director of KLBD, said: "We are sad to announce today that due to a change in production arrangements the entire Rowntree's vegan sweet range is all now ‘Not Kosher’.
"They have become not kosher due to crossover with non-kosher products and unfortunately any existing stock cannot be eaten and could be donated to a food bank.
"We realise this will be disappointing news to many kosher consumers who have been enjoying these sweets but we wanted to let the community know as soon as our research team received confirmation about the production changes.”
He added: “At least it's good news for dentists.”
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.