How Does Food Become Kosher?
Kosher Foods
According to the Orthodox Union website, foods considered not kosher "include certain animals, fowl and fish (such as pork and rabbit, eagle and owl, catfish and sturgeon), and any shellfish, insect or reptile. In addition, kosher species of meat and fowl must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner, and meat and dairy products may not be manufactured or consumed together."
Equipment used for hot production of non-kosher foods may not be used on kosher foods until it has completed kosherization, a sterilization process.
Kosher Meat
Kosher meat must come from an animal with split hoofs that chews its cud, like cattle and sheep. The slaughter must be performed by a butcher, called a "shochet," who is trained in Jewish dietary laws.
Before the meat becomes kosher, all blood must be drained. Typically only the forefront of the animal is used, because it is easier to remove the veins on this part. The veins and arteries must be removed, and then the meat is soaked in cold water and salted. The meat must be washed every three days after slaughter until it is termed kosher. If the meat is not classified as kosher 13 days after slaughter, it is deemed non-kosher.
Kosher Approval Process
A company must submit an application to an organization that is certified to approve kosher food, such as the Orthodox Union. The Orthodox Union is the most widely used kosher approving organization. The application will be assigned to a Rabbinic Field Representative, who will visit the company and determine if the food meets kosher standards.
First, a list of kosher ingredients that can be used in the evaluated food product is established. All ingredients must be kosher. 200,000 ingredients have already been approved. The Rabbinic Field Representative also sets out guidelines about sterilize equipment after it is used on non-kosher foods and requirements of separating product lines so certain foods do not mix.
Orthodox Union Kosher Symbols
The "OU" symbol on food packaging means that the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America has monitored the food development process and approved the food as kosher.
The "OU" symbol means the food is "pareve," meaning it contains no meat or dairy products. "OU-D" means it contains dairy, and "OU-P" means the food is kosher all year, including Passover.
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