What is Kosher

July 2008

The word "kosher" refers to a Jewish law meaning proper or correct. Kosher foods are those processed in accordance with the Jewish law. For a food product to be kosher, it must be processed under kosher certification. The following foods are not considered kosher:

• The flesh, fat, organs, eggs and milk of forbidden animals. Forbidden animals include:
  • Camels, rock badgers, hare, and pigs (animal must chew its cud and have cloven hooves to be kosher);
  • Shellfish;
  • Birds of prey or scavengers;
  • Rodents, reptiles, amphibians and insects;
  • Cattle with adhesions on their lungs;
  • Rennet (used in cheese production), if obtained from non-kosher animals; and
  • Eggs that contain blood spots.
• Birds or animals that have not been slaughtered in accordance with the Jewish law; and
• Grape products made by non Torah-observant Jews.

Other requirements for kosher products include:

• All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out before it is eaten;
• Fruits and vegetables must be free of insects;
• Meat cannot be eaten with dairy;
• Meat cannot be eaten with fish;
• Utensils used for meat or dairy may not be used for the other; and
• Utensils used for non-kosher foods may not be used for kosher foods.

Kosher Certification

Kosher certification involves examining ingredients, the method of preparation and inspecting the facility on a regular, periodic basis. These inspections ensure all ingredients are kosher and they are prepared following the Jewish law. Kosher meat must also be slaughtered in accordance with the Jewish law.

Certification can be granted through several different organizations. Each certifying organization may have slightly different requirements. Before selecting a certifying body, speak with customers to determine which certifying agency they recognize. Some kosher certifying bodies include:

• Kashruth Council of Canada- http://www.cor.ca/
• Orthodox Union: Kashruth Division- http://www.ou.org/
• OK Kosher Certification- http://www.ok.org/
• Star-K- http://www.star-k.org/
• KOF-K Kosher Certification- http://www.kof-k.org/
• The Vaad Ha'ir of Winnipeg, telephone (204) 487-9571

For more information, contact:
Kelly Bettschen
Food Quality Assurance Specialist
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Telephone: (306) 933-7173
E-mail: Kelly.Bettschen@gov.sk.ca