New Kosher Certification to Focus on Food Safety

A Canadian rabbi has created a new kind of Kosher certification named “Kosher Check” that not only makes sure foods are kosher under Jewish dietary laws but also monitors manufacturers to make sure they conform to food-safety controls.

Rabbi Avraham Feigelstock, who sits on the Vancouver Rabbinical Court, said, "Approval will be predicated on food manufacturers giving clear assurance they are observing additional, elevated standards for food safety, beyond those regulations mandated by government authorities."

Consumer studies have revealed for years that large segments of Jewish, and non-Jewish customers alike, buy Kosher certified foods based on their belief that such products are manufactured to superior standards of food safety.

Among the food-safety programs considered benchmarks for Kosher Check, originally known as BC Kosher,  are those regarded as 'best-practice' by quality assurance authorities and food professionals worldwide.

"Kosher Check is intended to be value-added for customers, since it will provide them an extra measure of confidence concerning food-safety," he said.

Richard Wood, Kosher Check business manager added that an initiative to promote awareness among consumers of the distinctive Kosher Check identification - a conjoined capital “K” and “check-mark,” with the program name and tag line, “Kosher Checked. Globally Accepted.” - would follow soon after.