About Kosher Products

STATISTICS AND FACTS REGARDING THE KOSHER MARKET
Number of kosher consumers in the United States 7,500,000
Number of other religious people with similar dietary concern 2,400,000
Number of non Jewish consumers with dietary needs 2,500,000
Number of kosher certified products 41,000
Kosher domestic food market is a 3.75 billion-dollar industry

In recent years the food industry has witnessed a tremendous growth in products that are kosher certified. Kosher food sales increased drastically, and the total number of consumers is growing at an annual rate of 15%. This is attributed to the fact that "kosher" is identified with quality, health, and fine preparation. According to the Rocky Mountain News Business section, January 12, 2006 "KOSHER IS A $14,6 BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY" and "55% of the people who purchase kosher foods believe the products to be safer and healthier". Clearly, kosher certification offers manufacturers a decisive edge in today’s highly competitive food and beverage industry.

WHAT IS KOSHER, AND WHO EATS IT?
Kosher is a term originally used to describe that which is "fit" and "proper". Most often, it is used to denote foods that are permitted to be eaten by people who observe dietary laws.
Aside from Jewish consumers, many Seventh Day Adventists, Fundamental Christians, Moslems, vegetarians, people with lactose intolerance, and those prone to certain food allergies purchase kosher products for religious and/or health reasons.
Foods are considered kosher when prepared in accordance with the Jewish dietary laws. These laws are complex; supervision by a competent Rabbi is required. However, in a general sense, two issues must be considered:
1. Ingredients
2. Equipment

Foods may be rendered non-kosher for a variety of reasons:
*Species of animals (kosher animals chew their cud and have split hoofs)
*Improper slaughtering or processing procedures
*Mixing of meat and dairy ingredients
*Use of ingredients from non-kosher sources
*Preparation of food with non-kosher utensils or equipment
*Lack of proper certification

Content provided by:
Rabbi Moshe Heisler
Kashrus Administrator
Scroll K