A reader has submitted a concern that has come to light again regarding slurpees at the QuickChek location on Cedarbridge Avenue in Lakewood that the should be aware of.
According to the certification posted at the store — the only current, non-expired paper on display — the slurpees are only kosher if the syrup box used in the machine carries a hechsher. QuickChek sources its syrups from multiple suppliers, and not all of them are certified.
The practical difference: one must visually verify the syrup box inside the machine before purchasing. The problem is that the box is typically not visible to customers.
A local rav who looked into the matter contacted the certifying hashgacha directly. They were reportedly taken aback that Lakewood residents have been consuming these slurpees routinely without performing the required check.
As always, when in doubt, contact your rav for a psak.
Does this apply to Coke and Mountain Dew? Are there alternate suppliers of those flavors that are not kosher? Why would this be any different than fountain sodas which most people would drink anywhere?