Concern that cocoa powder from China is unfit for use on Pesach have proven to be nothing more than unsubstantiated rumors.
In an interview with VIN News, Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, head of OK Kosher Certification, said that even after countless hours on the phone, he still does not even know exactly what the problem with cocoa is supposed to be and that he will indeed be using cocoa powder in his home on Pesach.
Rabbi Levy and his staff have, over the past 33 years, visited cocoa factories worldwide, explained that pure cocoa powder is an ingredient that is kosher year round without special supervision.
“All the major Kashrus supervision agencies agree that cocoa is 100% kosher and does NOT need a hechsher for Pesach,” said Rabbi Levy.
“I have never seen any question at all on cocoa powder as far as being kosher for Pesach in factories all over the world.
“No one has EVER had any shaylos on pure cocoa powder. Cocoa powder used in drinks can have other ingredients mixed in, but plain cocoa powder is 100% kosher.”
1) How would people know it is kosher? Not everyone knows that cocoa is kosher all year round.
2) More importantly, when an organization gives a hechsher to a national brand, the expense per unit is so small, it can hardly be calculated.
Heinz ketchup, for example: Do you really think that if it didn’t have a hechsher (it does need hashgacha), it would be less expensive?
Then why does he give a hescher all year around on loads of things that do not need a hescher inflating the price i think he should tell companies that ask for a hescher on an item that does not need one he should also tell them you dont need one!!!!!!!!