With over 11 million Americans currently buying only Kosher food and this growing number shows the potential of the Kosher certified food market. NATURECERT wants to share some information for food manufacturers and processors wishing to export to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, etc.
In the Hebrew meaning, the word Kosher means appropriate. In food meaning, means fully meeting the Jewish statutory dietary requirements. These dietary rules are known as kashrus.
It is a guarantee for the product goods to meet the requirements of the Jewish law related to food.
What is Kosher?
Kosher originates from the Hebrew word “Kashér,” meaning “fit” or “proper,” and refers to foods that meet the dietary laws outlined in Kashrut, the Jewish dietary code. These rules are deeply rooted in the Torah, the foundational text of Judaism, and have been interpreted and applied over centuries through rabbinical traditions.
This system goes beyond the type of food and encompasses the entire process of preparation, from sourcing to cooking and consumption. This ensures that the food complies with religious laws and embodies spiritual significance.
Which Foods Are Considered Kosher?
For food to meet these dietary laws, it must adhere to specific principles regarding its origin, preparation, and handling. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the main categories of acceptable food:
1. Meat (Fleishig):
- Only mammals that meet two criteria are acceptable:
- They chew the cud (ruminants).
- They have cloven hooves (split hooves).
Examples: Cows, sheep, and goats.
- Mammals such as pigs, camels, and horses are excluded because they lack one or both criteria.
- The slaughter process, known as Shechita, is a ritual performed by a trained individual called a Shochet. This method ensures the animal is killed humanely and that all blood is drained, as consuming blood is strictly prohibited.
- Certain fats and organs, such as the sciatic nerve and specific internal fats, must be removed before consumption.
2. Dairy (Milchig):
- All dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and butter, must come from acceptable animals.
- Dairy and meat products must never be mixed, cooked, or consumed together.
- Utensils, cookware, and even storage for dairy and meat must be kept entirely separate to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Neutral Foods (Pareve):
- Neutral foods are neither meat nor dairy, making them versatile for consumption with either category.
- Includes:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (if free from insects).
- Eggs from acceptable birds.
- Fish with both fins and scales, such as salmon and cod.
- Grains, legumes, and nuts.
- Processed neutral foods must be certified to ensure no contamination with forbidden ingredients or utensils.
4. Poultry:
- Only certain birds are acceptable, such as chicken, turkey, duck, and geese.
- Birds of prey, such as eagles or hawks, are strictly prohibited.
- Like mammals, poultry must be slaughtered according to Shechita rules.
5. Fish:
- Fish must have both fins and scales to be acceptable. Examples include tuna, salmon, and mackerel.
- Shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and crab are excluded.
- Fish can be consumed with either meat or dairy but must be handled separately from meat utensils.
6. Processed Foods and Packaged Goods:
- These foods require a certification to ensure that all ingredients and production processes comply with dietary laws.
- This is crucial for items like bread, snacks, beverages, and canned goods, as they may contain forbidden additives or be processed on equipment used for excluded foods.
Contact Information:
NatureCert specializes in providing services related to ZDHC MRSL. For detailed support and consultation on these services, customers can contact us directly through the following channels:
Address: 3B49 Sky 9, 61-63 Street No. 1, Phu Huu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0932023406
Email: info@naturecert.org
Website: www.naturecert.org
Official Fanpage: NatureCert Center
With a professional and experienced consulting team, NatureCert is committed to delivering the most optimal and effective solutions to our customers. Contact us today for the best consultation and support!
