THE DIETARY RULES OF OBSERVANT JEWS, KNOWN AS KOSHER, ARE GAINING GLOBAL RECOGNITION AS A MARK OF QUALITY.

The Hebrew word "Kasher or Kosher" means in accordance with the law, and these rules, derived from the Bible (Torah), are now applied to a wide range of products, ensuring not only legal compliance but also superior quality in every single product, from raw materials to ready-made dishes.

In the competitive world of the food industry, standing out for quality is crucial. That's why more and more companies are discovering the benefits of Kosher certification, a global brand synonymous with excellence in food practices.

With consumers becoming increasingly mindful of food choices and the origin of ingredients, Kosher certification becomes a trusted element for the public. Certified products come with a guarantee of quality, authenticity, and purity—values that resonate strongly with modern consumers.

Obtaining Kosher certification is not just an act of respect for the dietary rules of observant Jews; it is a strategic investment for business success.

Collaborating with rabbinical associations and experts in the food industry is the key step to ensuring the official recognition of your commitment to Kosher production. A distinctive symbol or wording on your product indicates to consumers that they can trust your brand.

Investing in Kosher certification today means positioning your brand at the forefront of food excellence. It's not just a certification; it's the passport to success and consumer trust.

Let's talk to Dino Fubini, an expert and specialist in the supervision of Kosher product production at the synagogue of the Syrian-Lebanese Community "Josef Tehillot" on Via dei Gracchi in Milan. His experience and knowledge of the industry ensure that your company strictly adheres to Kosher standards, guaranteeing a competitive advantage in the global market.

WHAT DOES KOSHER MEAN?

“Kosher food must adhere to specific characteristics, which we will explore, making it suitable for consumption by the Jewish people. These rules are derived from the Old Testament and encompass various domains. Let's summarize them:

Meat.
Meat can be consumed only if it comes from domestic animals with split hooves and that are ruminants (cattle, goats, and sheep).

The animals must be slaughtered by a certified operator (known as Shochet) through a precise cut to the throat with an extremely sharp knife to minimize the animal's suffering.

After slaughtering, each animal must undergo further internal organ inspection to certify its perfect health.

Only the forequarter of the animal can be used, as the consumption of the sciatic nerve is prohibited.

The suitable quarters must be salted for an hour and then thoroughly rinsed. This salting treatment is also reserved for poultry (chickens, turkeys, quails, and ducks), which can be consumed without restrictions on the lower part.

Fish. 
Fish with scales and fins are allowed, while seafood, crustaceans, and marine mammals are forbidden.

Milk and Dairy Products.
Permitted if sourced from allowed animals and must not be mixed with products of animal origin, even if they come from allowed animals.

Wine and Vinegar.
Must be produced under the supervision of a certifier and must not contain elements normally used to change the colour, such as animal blood. 

Vegetables and Fruits.
Can be consumed without restrictions, provided they are thoroughly washed and free from insects or parasites often found, especially in leafy vegetables.”

DO KOSHER PRODUCTS HAVE MORE CONTROL? ARE THEY SYNONYMOUS WITH QUALITY AND AUTHENTICITY?

“For all these rules summarized above, each step to obtain Kosher certification must be scrutinized by recognized experts. This control not only ensures their suitability for Jewish consumption but is undoubtedly a guarantee of quality. Certified products undergo scrutiny from raw materials to containers, which must be perfectly cleaned and sanitized before use. All of this contributes to the authenticity of the product and ensures hygiene.”

WHY SHOULD COMPANIES SEEK KOSHER CERTIFICATION FOR THEIR PRODUCTS?

“The challenges, it's needless to say, are not few. However, precisely because of this, they could open up new and interesting markets. Moreover, once launched, they would tap into a market with consumption patterns less prone to variations—a niche with fixed or predictable consumption.”

HOW CAN A COMPANY PROCEED TO OBTAIN KOSHER CERTIFICATION?

“YOU CAN ASK ME!!! Jokes aside, companies should reach out to entities that demand Kosher products to access markets. Many such entities exist in Europe and around the world, always on the lookout for innovations. They will take the initiative to send certifiers to ensure that the products meet Kosher standards. This is particularly relevant for products with limited consumption (baked goods, chocolates, candies, ravioli, canned products, etc.). Products like wine, dairy, vinegar, oil, etc., with Kosher certification, would have an extra edge in today's competitive commerce landscape."

By Sonia Moura

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