Exclusive Insight: How OK Kosher Evaluates Certification

Why OK Kosher Does Not Accept All Kosher Certificates

At OK Kosher, we are often asked why we do not always recognize the kosher certifications of all rabbis or organizations worldwide. Isn’t there a single standard that all rabbis follow? While kosher food is generally expected to follow certain guidelines, these standards vary significantly, particularly between Orthodox and non-Orthodox certifications. Even within Orthodox kosher certification, not all authorities are equal—there are many nuances that impact reliability and oversight. As with all products and services, there are varying levels of quality when it comes to kosher certification, and OK Kosher takes a highly discerning approach.

Many factors determine whether a particular certification meets OK Kosher’s standards and requirements. While we strive to be as transparent as possible, it’s important to recognize that kosher supervision is a complex process.

This article provides an overview of OK Kosher’s decision-making process. However, just as reading an article about medical school requirements doesn’t make someone a surgeon, this blog cannot cover every detail of kosher supervision. Instead, it aims to raise awareness and provide insight into the careful considerations involved in ensuring kosher standards.

How OK Kosher Evaluates a Certification

When OK Kosher rabbis review a submitted kosher certificate for use as a raw material in an OK Kosher-certified product, they evaluate it against well-defined criteria to determine its acceptability. The certifying agency must be one with which we have an established relationship and direct experience, ensuring that we are familiar with their standards, reliability, and oversight. While many agencies may assert that they meet these requirements, their certification must also be consistent with OK Kosher’s policies and procedures.

Kosher certification agencies generally fall into three categories; however, every individual certificate is always reviewed and evaluated on its own merits to determine whether it meets OK Kosher’s standards.

1. Agencies That Generally Meet Standards
   Some kosher certification agencies largely adhere to similar standards as OK Kosher—there may be some differences, but they are generally within reason—and in most cases, their certifications are acceptable for use in OK Kosher-certified products. These certifying agencies typically have acceptable visit frequency, and employ robust systems to track ingredients, manufacturing processes, and any changes in production to ensure ongoing compliance with kosher standards. These organizations also typically have their own dedicated software, in most cases, which helps them keep the data organized. Without it, it is not possible to maintain proper oversight of production facilities, and certainly not to sustain a proper supervision system.
2. Agencies That Do Not Meet OK Kosher’s Requirements
   Some kosher certification agencies are not generally accepted for OK Kosher-certified products due to differences in halachic rulings—authoritative decisions and interpretations of Jewish law that determine how kosher standards are applied. Organizations that do not follow Orthodox Jewish principles are never considered for acceptability. Other factors, such as infrequent inspections, limited expertise in certain industries, inadequate database systems, or minimal oversight of production processes (including “virtual supervision”), may also impact acceptability.
3. Agencies That Fall into an Intermediate Category
   Other agencies may follow kosher guidelines but don’t always match our standards in certain areas, such as oversight, halachic rulings, or industry expertise. For these agencies, we conduct case-by-case evaluations and collaborate closely with both the agency and manufacturers to verify compliance with OK Kosher’s requirements. If we determine that our standards are met, we may accept the certification on a conditional basis, ensuring that any necessary safeguards are in place.

The Role of Inspections and Mashgichim (Inspectors)

Most issues in kosher certification arise from errors or lack of awareness rather than deliberate non-compliance. One of the key components of our evaluation process is the frequency of inspections. We expect that products we approve undergo regular, unannounced inspections to ensure that standards are being consistently maintained. This frequent oversight allows the agency to identify potential issues early and provides ongoing assurance that the facility is adhering to kosher laws. When agencies fail to implement regular inspections or conduct them infrequently, it increases the risk of non-compliance. As a result, we may not accept their certification.

Kosher certification is not just about placing a label on a product—it is a guarantee that the entire production process meets Jewish dietary laws, including:

• Proper ingredient sourcing
• Kosherizing equipment when required
• Frequent and thorough facility inspections
• Detailed record-keeping and tracking systems
• Proper transport conditions for kosher products

A raw material we accept must be produced at a facility that conforms to OK Kosher’s rigorous standards. Here are some key requirements:

• Presence of Kosher and Non-Kosher Versions of the Same Ingredient – This is typically not acceptable, even with distinct raw material codes (RMCs), as it poses a high risk of cross-contamination.
• Shared Equipment Between Kosher and Non-Kosher Production – If controls to ensure the dedication of equipment or problem production sequence and kosherization are absent or insufficient, the facility cannot meet OK Kosher standards.
• Mashgiach Oversight in Sensitive Productions – In cases where kosher sensitive processes take place, such as when kosher and non-kosher ingredients or process equipment closely resemble one another, dedicated supervision with a rabbi (Mashgiach) must be present during production.
• For critical processes such as koshering, it is usually essential to have a Mashgiach present to oversee and guide the process. Koshering is a sensitive operation that requires expert supervision to ensure that every detail is performed according to Jewish law. Without a qualified Mashgiach overseeing the koshering process, the validity of the certification could be compromised, and the product may not meet OK Kosher’s standards.

For kosher consumers, certification represents trust and reliability. At OK Kosher, we take our responsibility seriously, ensuring that our certification maintains the highest standards.

To Summarize: Key Requirements for Acceptable Certification

1. Adherence to Halachic Standards
2. Qualified and Trained Kosher Supervisors (Mashgichim)
3. Expertise in Kosher Supervision
4. Regular and Consistent Inspections
5. Monitoring of Ingredients and Equipment
6. Use of Advanced Tracking and Monitoring Systems
7. Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
8. No Shortcuts or Leniencies

Our Commitment to Excellence

By understanding the differences in oversight among kosher agencies, consumers can make informed choices about the certifications they trust. At OK Kosher, we remain dedicated to upholding these standards, providing the highest level of kosher supervision, and continuously improving our processes. We recognize that perfection is an ongoing pursuit, and we are committed to learning from every experience to perfect our policies and methods. This commitment to growth ensures we continually evolve and adapt to meet the needs of kosher consumers.