KOSHER CERTIFICATE
The Kosher document is a document that indicates the products produced in accordance with the Jewish faith. The conformity of all stages and the materials and even equipment used in production to Jewish beliefs is checked by the clergy. The "Kosher Certificate" issued for foodstuffs that are allowed to be consumed in accordance with Jewish religious rules is a document confirming that these foodstuffs have been observed and determined to be prepared in accordance with the conditions in the process the source to the presentation. If there is no violation of their beliefs in practice, equipment and materials, the clergy give Kosher Certificate to the products produced in the company.
Kosher means “appropriate” in Hebrew. Rules can be stricter depending on the religious situation in the Israeli markets where the products are directed. The total Jewish population in the world is around 14 million, and approximately 40% of this population lives in Israel. In Israel, it is not legally required for foodstuffs to be Kosher. While it may be preferable for the products to be Kosher, the cost of Kosher Certification causes the price of the products to increase. The most sensitive products for kosher are meat and dairy products. It is seen that the most important problem faced by our companies exporting food products to Israel regarding the Kosher Certificate is the cost increase brought about by Kosher production.
More than one product manufactured abroad or sold abroad bears the word Kosher. This phrase is also sought after by non-Jews. Because Jews are forbidden to consume and use pork.
Kosher Certification Process
Kosher means proper and complete in the Jewish religion. Kosher certificate is a document that certifies products manufactured in accordance with the Jewish faith. The phrase Kosher is also a sought-after feature outside of Jews. The absence of pork and its components in products with this certificate ensures that these products are also preferred by Muslims. The fact that companies considering exporting to the European market receive this certificate for their products makes these products stand out among their peers.
The number of Kosher certified companies increases every year compared to the previous years, and Kosher certified products have a larger market share in the consumption market. While the production is taking place in the institutions, the compliance of all processes and materials and even equipment with Jewish beliefs is checked by the clergy at the production site. If there is no contrary to their beliefs in practice, equipment and materials, the clergy give KOSHER (Kosher) Certificate to the products manufactured in the company.
In order for products other than meat to be considered Kosher and to have a kosher certificate, they must be inspected by the clergy and not contain any additives or processing steps that do not comply with hygiene or are contrary to Jewish beliefs. For this reason, manufacturers who want to have a kosher certificate pass this examination. This certificate is also seen as an important element in exports to countries where members of the Jewish religion live intensely. The company that wants to get a Kosher Certificate should know the following steps and prepare accordingly.
Which Products Are Included In Kosher?
* We can say that kosher and halal meat and meat products show great similarity. Pork and its components are also prohibited in the Jewish faith. Similarly, slaughtering methods and conditions of animals that are allowed to be consumed must be appropriate, disabled and sick animals must not be slaughtered, and blood must be emptied.
* Among the animals living on land, ruminant and double-hoofed animals are allowed to be eaten, but those that do not have this feature are prohibited, and rabbit, pork and camel meat are also prohibited.
* Crustaceans and mollusks sea creatures other than fish are not suitable for kosher.
* Herbal products must be free insects, parasites and pests.
* According to Judaism, a Kosher-friendly process must be followed in all processes, the raw state to the preparation, processing, cooking and consumption stages, in order for a product to be ultimately kosher-friendly.
* Never consume blood. It is forbidden to use meat and dairy products together.
* All equipment such as tools, materials, containers, ovens used in production must also be clean and religiously pure.
Process steps in the process of issuing Kosher Certificate;
* An application is made to the authorized institution that issued the Kosher Certificate.
* The forms given by the authorized institution are filled and the requested documents are submitted to the authorized institution in the desired format (such as PDF or DOC).
* The authorized institution examines the documents it receives and makes a price offer to the relevant company if there is no deficiency.
* In case of an agreement on the price, the authorized institution informs the relevant firm on which day it will come for the inspections.
* Authorized institution conducts inspections on the date specified.
* As a result of the inspections, if there is a missing issue, it is stated that it is corrected, if there is no missing or missing issues are corrected, Kosher Document are given to the relevant company by the authorized institution.
The points to be considered are as follows;
* Make sure that all additives in the products you apply for Kosher Certificate are kosher certified. It is sufficient to have a K sign or a U sign in a circle on the product packaging. For those who are not present, a copy of the document must be found.
* For herbal products, the presence of insects should be investigated and necessary cleaning activities should be carried out.
* Alcohol-containing materials such as alcohol vinegar and wine vinegar should not be present in the products or in the production area.
* In cases where meat and dairy products are used, the possibility of mixing should be completely avoided. The two are not consumed together as a matter of belief. Preventing cross contamination and separating the equipment used for the two species seems to be the most appropriate solution.
* Fish products should not be mixed with meat products such as dairy products.
* The use of equipment such as forks, knives and spoons used in dining halls in the production area should be prevented.
* General cleaning rules should be observed.
These basic requirements are for businesses using field sourced raw materials.
Validity of Kosher Certificate
The validity of the Kosher Certificate varies depending on the product purchased. But usually Kosher Certificates are valid for one year. When the certificate expires, re-inspections are made by the authorized institution and the certificate is renewed. Depending on the characteristics of the product for which the Kosher Certificate has been obtained, inspections can be done once a year or several times a year.
"As BELCERT Certification Body, we want to support you in the Kosher Certification process. You can contact us to get detailed information and to benefit our service."
