Non-Food Products
 

BEETLE JEWS?

Q. I read in a magazine that there is a dye in most lipsticks that is made from beetles. Am I allowed to wear such a lipstick?

A. Lipstick is not eaten; therefore, lipstick containing carmine, the dye derived from beetles, may be applied to lips.


GOT (D3 IN YOUR) MILK?

Q. I have heard that Vitamin D3 can be derived from animal skins. If this is the case, does milk with added Vitamin D3 present a kashrus problem?
-Daniel Ziskin

A. Vitamin D3 can pose a kashrus problem, for reasons that include the one you mention. The OK requires reliable supervision for milk that contains Vitamin D3.


WAXING HASSIDIC

Q. What is the status of the wax that is used to coat American fruits and vegetables? Can this wax come from an animal source?

A. In the United States, paraffin wax is used for coating fruits and vegetables. Paraffin is a petroleum-based product that poses no kashrus concern. Bear in mind that the food industry is constantly changing. There is always the possibility that companies will start to use an alternate source of wax.