10 Feb Rabbi Moshe Elefant

There is some confusion as to the appearance of OU
D on non-cholov Yisroel brands of milk. Does this
certification on a milk container signify that a mashgiach
from the OU periodically visits the farm and inspects
and observes the milking operation? Or does this
certification indicate that a
USDA inspector is present
and therefore the milk is
permissible to drink in
accordance with the psak
of Rav Moshe Feinstein
zt”l?
In response to your question
about the OU-D symbol on
non–Cholov Yisroel milk: the
OU-D on the milk bottle does
not in any way suggest that
it is Cholov Yisroel unless it explicitly states so. Rather, the OU relies on the
position of many poskim who permit the use of non–Cholov Yisroel milk.
The OU’s certification of such a product means that we send a mashgiach
periodically to ensure that all ingredients used in the milk (i.e., additives)
are kosher and that there are no equipment issues involved in the bottling
process.

What is the bracha on pizza?
The bracha on pizza is a tricky
question because it depends
on whether you are making
it into a full meal (koveah
seudah). The minhag of most
people is that:
• If you’re eating only
one slice, you make a
mezonos.
• If you’re eating two slices or more, you should wash your hands (netilas
yadayim) and make a hamotzi.
However, there are complications:
1. Some people consider two slices a snack, while others consider even
one slice a meal.
2. In some places, pizza dough isn’t made in the traditional way (just flour,
water, and yeast) and may include apple juice, milk, or other beverages,
which could affect the bracha.
If you want to be absolutely certain, the safest way is to take a little bread,
wash netilas yadayim, and make a hamotzi on the bread. That way, there’s
no question.