The KCL has issued a kashrus alert addressing concerns related to the growing use of Instacart for shopping at kosher supermarkets.

According to the Vaad, orders placed through Instacart are fulfilled by third-party shoppers who may not be knowledgeable in matters of kashrus. In many cases, the kosher supermarket may be unaware that the individual purchasing the items is shopping on behalf of Instacart.

The alert highlights particular concern regarding items that require halachic seals (chosamos), including fresh meat, fresh fish, deli items, and prepared foods. The Vaad warns that when such products are ordered via Instacart, there is no reliable assurance that the required seals will be properly affixed by the kosher establishment, potentially resulting in delivery without appropriate halachic safeguards.

In light of these concerns, the KCL strongly recommends that food items requiring halachic seals not be purchased through Instacart at this time. Instead, consumers are urged to order these items directly from the kosher supermarket, which is aware of the halachic requirements and can ensure that proper seals are in place prior to delivery.