Dear Kosher Consumer, As a consumer, you should always be aware of misleading tactics employed by manufacturers and retailers.

Listed b​elow, are some common misleading tactics – as it relates to Shatnez.

1) Applying labels suggesting that garment is shatnez free. Some manufacturers print on their garment label “no linen inside”. This tactic gives the impression to the innocent consumer that the garment is shatnez free with no testing necessary.
​Shatnez has been found in garments with similar labels to those pictured above.

2) Offering below standard testing. ​Some retailers offer below standard testing. Consequently, many instances of shatnez are not detected. Jeffery Banks, is a men’s suit sold in heimishe stores. Some of these suits have recently been found with shatnez in the shoulder pad. In some retail outlets, the in-store tester certifies the suits as non shatnez, as he does only a partial testing! ​Photo above portrays a similar incident.

3) Affixing shatnez labels without testing. ​At some retail outlets, shatnez labels are affixed without testing. A consumer was warned by a shatnez expert not to rely on a specific shatnez label. The consumer did not heed his warning and wore the suit. Unfortunately, the woolen suit was shatnez- possessing a linen undercollar.​Pictured above are the shatnez undercollar and the shatnez label (obscured) of this incident.

As a general rule you should always remember, that as a consumer you must protect yourself. Relying on a manufacturer or retailer may have unfortunate consequences. For more information please call Vaad L’Mishmeres Shatnez @ 1-877-4-SHATNEZ.

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