The word kosher means appropriate or acceptable , and has entered the English language informally with that meaning. But kosher laws originate in the Bible and are detailed in the Talmud (book of Jewish law) and other rules of Jewish tradition . They have been applied throughout the centuries to ever-changing situations, and these rulings, both ancient and modern, govern OU kosher certification .
You may already be familiar with some of the more well-known requirements for kosher food, but you may be surprised at how little you know about kosher food.
What foods are not kosher?
The Bible lists the basic categories of food products that are not kosher. These include certain animals, birds, and fish (such as pork and rabbit, eagle and owl, catfish, and sturgeon), most insects, and any shellfish or reptiles. Additionally, kosher meat and birds must be slaughtered in a specific way, and meat and dairy products must not be processed or eaten together.
Why Kosher supervision?
Why do so many foods require kosher supervision? What makes food non-kosher? Are all products made with kosher ingredients kosher? For example, since cereals and chips are not made with meat, birds, fish, or insects, are they not inherently kosher?
The answer is that for a food to be kosher, all of the ingredients must be kosher. For example, a cereal may be non-kosher because it contains raisins coated in non-kosher animal glycerin. French fries may be non-kosher if the vegetable oil used in the fryer has been refined and deodorized on equipment used to produce tallow. In fact, equipment used to heat-produce non-kosher products cannot be used for kosher production without kosherization (a hot purging procedure).
Apply for Kosher Certification
What does Kosher certified mean?
Kosher certification is a kosher stamp of approval from a rabbinical agency that verifies that the product ingredients, manufacturing facility, and actual production have been inspected to ensure that all ingredients, derivatives, tools, and machinery are free of non-kosher substances. The Kosher certification symbol assures consumers that both the actual product and its production meet all Kosher requirements.
To obtain the Kosher OU certification, you must submit the Kosher Certification Application .
Rabbinical Coordinator (Account Executive)
A Rabbinic Coordinator (Account Executive) will be assigned to handle your application. This RC will be your designated contact at the OU and will be available to answer your questions, address your needs, and guide you through the certification process.
Want to learn more about Kosher? Find out exactly what kosher means in our Kosher Primer.