All kosher products, manufacturers, establishments, catering halls, etc. must be under the supervision of a kosher certification agency, that is, an organization of rabbis, food technologists and field supervisors with the expertise and resources to uphold the laws of kashrut. Kashrut agencies, such as Canada Kosher (MK) and others, have pledged to set the highest standards in this respect.

This responsibility is not taken lightly, as consumers put their complete trust in kosher agencies to ensure that what they consume is 100 per cent kosher, meeting the highest standards of kashrut. Therefore, when choosing a product bearing an agency’s kosher mark, it is a given that the agency has done its due diligence prior to certifying the product, ensuring that every aspect of kashrut and Torah law has been adhered to in the manufacture of this product. Trust is a key factor in all of the above.

Just as a health agency does not rely on the consumer’s opinion in setting health standards, kashrut agencies do not rely on the opinion or encouragement of anyone to certify a product.

As well, kashrut agencies may not adopt the attitude that if the consumer does not expect the highest standards, they can then follow suit.

For example, when certifying a caterer who may be preparing both kosher and non-kosher food, many kosher agencies will not accept this as a standard for kosher certification. It is incumbent on us to not only rise above the bar, but to set it at the highest level. This precept goes as far as dictating that it would be better for a kashrut agency not to certify an account in the interests of protecting the consumers it serves. Doing so would be a gross violation of our responsibilities.

Kosher agencies must take the lead in ensuring that the consumer is protected at all times. We must and do give the end buyer the confidence that, just as the government agency takes all steps and ensures at all times that the consumer is protected from every point of view when it comes to their health, the kosher agency too, ensures that the consumer is protected in every single sphere of kashrut.

Another key component of kashrut is honest labelling. There are those who are sensitive or allergic to a variety of products such as dairy, nuts, gluten, eggs or other elements. They must be and are protected by clear marketing strategies and labels defining every ingredient in the products certified as kosher.

Canada’s kosher certifier, in the interest of protecting consumers and the level of kashrut they deserve, follows this edict. When companies are certified, one main task is kept in mind: what is in the best interest of the consumer who expects our protection for certification purposes?

In that vein, we are continuously working on upgrading industry standards. This is accomplished by working with companies and establishments who share our interests of the highest global kashrut expectations.

We value and appreciate the confidence placed in us by our consumers and will, with God’s help, continue to upgrade our standards as new products come on the market.