Kashrut

Question

First of all, Kol HaKavod on your website - there is much there that I have learned that I did not know before. I guess my major question would have to be, namely, (and I am not a Rabbi, I was simply raised in an Orthodox household) are the Halachos found on the website, specifically the kashrus ones, applicable to Jews of Ashkenazik descent, in addition to those of Sefardic descent? I was brought up thinking that ALL Wrigley's gum and LifeSavers were Chazer-Traif, and not to be touched with a ten foot pole. Is there a reference that I could show to my parents and siblings regarding this particular issue?