The Daughter knows that an R or a TM in a circle on a package means that somehow the design of the packaging has some intellectual property protection. Specifically, they mean trademarked or registered, respectively; in the United States, that’s handled by the US Patents and Trademark Office. And a C in a circle suggests copyright protection; in the US that’s a function of the Copyright Office.
But she asked me: what does that U in a circle mean on her bottle of ketchup, something I barely remembered even seeing? I did not know, but, of course, I looked it up.
Now, if I tell you right away, then the post will be done. So here are some other letters in a circle:
A in a circle is the symbol for anarchism.
i in a circle means information.
X in a circle is the Greek letter theta.
A couple more intellectual property symbols:
M in a circle is copyright on mask work, which has SOMETHING to do with integrated circuit boards.
P in a circle represents the copyright on a sound recording (originally a phonograph record).
OK, now. According to the Heinz people: “Commonly known as ‘Circle U,’ the circle graphically represents the letter O for ‘Orthodox,’ and the U inside stands for ‘Union.'” Specifically, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations (OU) in Manhattan, New York City has certified the product to be kosher, i.e., acceptable, according to Jewish dietary laws. If you see any of the symbols that are represented, which also includes a K in a circle, it means “the food has been inspected by one of the many kosher certifying agencies in the United States. Each agency identifies itself by its own unique symbol.”
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The New York Times makes a nonkosher mistake
My Blog 
Great info. I’d never have got that.
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I’ve always seen it around an underground facility. Very interesting. Circle K I think of the Circle K stores but the K interrupts the circle in those.
Ann
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I learned something new with this post. Perfect for U.
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I now have even more fascinating trivia to overwhelm people with. 🙂
An Arkies Musings
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Believe it or not, in Canada, we have something called the MAPL system, whose logo includes an M, an A, a P, and an L all crammed into a circle that shows broadcasters at a glance how Canadian a piece of music is. http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/logo/mapl If all four quadrants are black, it means the Music was composed entirely by a Canadian, the performing Artist is a Canadian, the Performance was recorded in Canada, and the Lyrics were written by a Canadian.
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Very UNIQUE.
The only reason I knew the answer is that I used to work doing Food Shows for the Trade and we featured many Kosher products.
Great post today.
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I knew, but you relayed the information accurately and set up the suspense brilliantly!!! Have a great week.
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Very interesting, Roger – I will make room upstairs for a little drawer to tuck this information away, – but can’t guarantee that the drawer won’t stick shut, given the age of the equipment…
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Interesting post Roger! Now I am going to pay more attention to the food I buy!
Have a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team
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Great information to store away in case I ever go on Jeopardy! 🙂
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I have never noticed that but will check my bottle of ketchup. Could be a great trivia question some day.
Leslie
abcw team
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Never knew that, thanks Roger.
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I’ve noticed messages on packaging that it is kosher but never the U. Of course I had to have a look on my ketchup bottle. It had MK in a circle which apparently is kosher in England and means the Manchester Beth Din (house of judgement). Who knew.
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Yes, I like, an interesting tour of the letters framed by a circle. Greetings.
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how informative…and fun to know! thank you, dear Roger
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Ah yes, the ubiquitous circle U kashrut stamp.
Thanks for this kosher post, Roger. Shalom from Jerusalem.
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I always learn something new from you, Roger. Great piece of information — and how like children to ask the questions we’ve never even thought about.
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Always an interesting and informative post. Roger!
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At Wegmans, a G inside a circle, at least on their products, means it’s gluten free.
Now if I see a U inside a circle, I will know it’s Kosher. That’s some useful information… maybe. 🙂
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fascinating!
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this is quite interesting! i never noticed U and K in a circle, now I have to check if we have them here.:p
my guess is they’re in our food products for export. great info!
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Well, now we know! Glad your daughter inquired…and glad Dad came to the rescue!!
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Orthodox Jewish Congregations will only eat food with a U in a circle? LOL, just like the Muslims eat H for Halal food?
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Going to a Jewish restaurant and grocecry… I’ll see if I can find or notice a K in a circle in some Kosher food product.
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Wow!! That sure is informative!
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Great, I did not know this before.
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I wonder the U sign if only applies to the States or applies in other countries too! I have never seen it in Australia, but I’ll be looking now!
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Gemma – I’m sure there will be a similar, though not the same designation where you are, unless the food was imported from the US.
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You’re absolutely right, it’s something I’ve noticed but only barely! What Utterly Unique fascinating info – thank you! (And I’ve recalled the NYTimes making a nonkosher mistake or two the past week alone, haha:)
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I have never seen this sign ! I only know an “a” in a unclosed circle @. But I can live with that, lol !
BTW some Germans call the @ “Monkey tail” …
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I had no idea! Thanks for the insight.
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The things we learn!
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U are always an unbelievable wealth of information!!!
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You are like a living encyclopedia Roger, lots of information stored in your brain hehehe.
Universal Wrap
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
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