A Question about Kosher Foods

Someone just asked our company if we would be able to produce some kosher products. There isn't anyone here who is familiar with exactly what is considered "kosher." I read a bit on Wikipedia about it, but I am still trying to figure out how this would pertain to vegetarian potato products, such as we produce. We do use milk powder and butter in certain products, but no eggs, meat, gelatin, or anything like that. We use sunflower oil blends (we do use goose fat for some roast potatoes, but all equipment is thoroughly cleaned after production since all other products are safe for vegetarians). So what would make a roast potato kosher or non-kosher? I wonder if some of our products would already be considered to be kosher? 

Hmmmm. I'm not very up on kosher law, but I do believe that ultimately, your products would have to be inspected and approved. I'm not entirely sure who does that in the UK.

I don't think that equipment that is just washed after use is good enough. I believe true kosher has to be on dedicated equipment... but I'm not certain.

If nothing, it seems that most of your products would at least be pareve, it's the goosefat that seems to be will be the issue.

Hopefully someone else will come along with more info. There are large Jewish communities in London, Manchester and even a good sized one in Newcastle. Someone around there should be able to help you more.

Hmmmm. I'm not very up on kosher law, but I do believe that ultimately, your products would have to be inspected and approved. I'm not entirely sure who does that in the UK.

I don't think that equipment that is just washed after use is good enough. I believe true kosher has to be on dedicated equipment... but I'm not certain.

If nothing, it seems that most of your products would at least be pareve, it's the goosefat that seems to be will be the issue.

Hopefully someone else will come along with more info. There are large Jewish communities in London, Manchester and even a good sized one in Newcastle. Someone around there should be able to help you more.

I don't know. I do know that the goosefat potatoes are primarily only produced during the autumn and just prior to Easter, so the rest of the year, it's all vegetarian all the time. 

I'm not an expert on this by any means but from a previous conversation with some Jewish friends, I was told that if something is prepared and/or cooked with non-Kosher equipement, it can't be used for Kosher foods.  Meaning that cleaning the equipment in between would not make it Kosher if it was previously 'contaminated' with non-Kosher foods.  If you cooked non-Kosher food in an oven, and then tried to cook Kosher food in the same oven, that wouldn't work.  Even the way the dishes are washed can become a problem when trying to keep things Kosher (certain items have to be washed in their own dishwater).  I think the main distinctions are with meat and dairy though, not veggies.  Also, I'm not sure what kind of company you work for but if it involves making processed foods, there are some requirements there also (don't remember all the specifics on that, but I believe it involves the facility and food being inspected and certified).  Keep in mind that just like with other religious practices, there are some variances (traditional Catholics and modern Catholics have several different practices, for example).  My above statements only pertain to what I was told by this specific family and their specific practices and may not be applicable to the person who called your company.  I would get in touch with that person and ask what their specific requirements are, then see if you are able to fulfill their request.

Hmmmm. I'm not very up on kosher law, but I do believe that ultimately, your products would have to be inspected and approved. I'm not entirely sure who does that in the UK.

I don't know specifics, but this is the basic gist of what would be required.  The best way to find out would be to contact a synagogue and get information from them about who can do kosher certification in the UK.

Quickie Google brought up this: http://www.koshercertification.org.uk/

Hmmm. Well, if it helps, I believe the goose fat enrobed roast potatoes are only produced on one line, leaving 4 other lines of production that might be considered "clean." Then again, we do make a cheese mash for one major customer, and I believe since it is cheddar mash that there would be rennet in the cheese. Seeing as how it's just vegetables, vegetable oils, and the stabilisers are all plant-based derivatives, then it might be ok. I guess this merchant (he is a wholesaler of kosher products) might have to decide what he truly considers to be kosher, since he is the one requesting the products. I was just curious, really. 

In order to get a kosher stamp of approval on packaged foods, your plant and the processes would need to be inspected by one of the Jewish Authorities.  In London it is the Beth Din.  Information can be found here.  http://www.kosher.org.uk/updates.htm#

The kosher food I occasionally buy (I don't keep kosher, but I like the hot dogs and pickles) have their little KLBD symbol or something similar to that effect.  

It sounds as if you would be making food that is pareve, neither meat nor milk.  But because of the once/twice a year goose fat usage you may not be able to comply. You should try contacting the Beth Din to at least ask them questions.  If you are not in London they may be able to recommend a more local agency.

In order to get a kosher stamp of approval on packaged foods, your plant and the processes would need to be inspected by one of the Jewish Authorities.  In London it is the Beth Din.  Information can be found here.  http://www.kosher.org.uk/updates.htm#

The kosher food I occasionally buy (I don't keep kosher, but I like the hot dogs and pickles) have their little KLBD symbol or something similar to that effect.  

It sounds as if you would be making food that is pareve, neither meat nor milk.  But because of the once/twice a year goose fat usage you may not be able to comply. You should try contacting the Beth Din to at least ask them questions.  If you are not in London they may be able to recommend a more local agency.

Thanks for this. I may have to look into it if the company decides to go forward with producing for this merchant. We are closer to Newcastle, but I guess it would ultimately depend on how much product he would want to order. If it was only a little, then I don't think the company would bother going through the process of being declared kosher. Though, it may be worthwhile, because if we did have some current products that were kosher, they could be labeled as such, and that might increase the desirability overall. Thanks!

Yeah, you need to get the Kosher Authority in to have a look around your premises and your products to decide if your product can be deemed Kosher and have a Kosher mark on the bag. they will come and give you a Kashras approval.

Here is some interesting material for the Manchester Beth Din
http://www.mbd.org.uk/node/9

eta...Goosefat is kosher. My FIL is one of those who believes that Duck products aren't Kosher on the grounds that they are scavengers, however thats not true, they are plant eaters, but eat mostly algae etc. They are indeed Kosher.

Also wanted to add...Newcastle does have a nice sized Jewish community, you can probably try ringing a synogogue there, they might be able to help!

Oh, thanks! Now the company is thinking it might be worthwhile to find out if we are indeed kosher, then we could carry the seal and market our products to another sector. Not a bad idea! I've passed it on to the technical department to see if they want to obtain the guidelines and contact an authority to come and inspect the factory.  Thanks for all the information!

It's certainly worth the company looking at as it's a good niche market and if they like your products, there would be long-term loyalty as people who keep kosher don't tend to stop.

eta...Goosefat is kosher. My FIL is one of those who believes that Duck products aren't Kosher on the grounds that they are scavengers, however thats not true, they are plant eaters, but eat mostly algae etc. They are indeed Kosher.

Yes, geese and ducks are kosher animals, but products made from them are only kosher if they are ritually slaughtered by the right kind of rabbi. So, that requires additional certification.

I'd say the best way to find out if your plant can handle producing kosher products is to ring up the Beth Din or whoever the *Orthodox* authority is in your area (and even that might be controversial, as there can be turf wars!), find out about getting a consultation/inspection of the plant to see what's involved in having kosher processes and getting regular inspections for certification. It may not be cheap, and you'd have to decide whether your potential market makes it worth the expense.

Yes, geese and ducks are kosher animals, but products made from them are only kosher if they are ritually slaughtered by the right kind of rabbi. So, that requires additional certification.

I'd say the best way to find out if your plant can handle producing kosher products is to ring up the Beth Din or whoever the *Orthodox* authority is in your area (and even that might be controversial, as there can be turf wars!), find out about getting a consultation/inspection of the plant to see what's involved in having kosher processes and getting regular inspections for certification. It may not be cheap, and you'd have to decide whether your potential market makes it worth the expense.

Yes, I don't think they are going to go through with it. I don't think the market would be huge for us, unless you think there is a giant demand for frozen roast potatoes as a kosher food. 

Anything cooked in goose or duck fat sounds pretty yummy to me...! On the other hand I wouldn't (at this stage in my life) insist on kosher. So I couldn't begin to guess how big a demand there would be.

Anything cooked in goose or duck fat sounds pretty yummy to me...! On the other hand I wouldn't (at this stage in my life) insist on kosher. So I couldn't begin to guess how big a demand there would be.

I think it would depend on where your customers are from.  Your boss should definitely do some additional research to make sure it is worth the investment.