A kosher certificate is issued by a kosher certification agency and confirms that a product and its production meet Jewish dietary law. Yes, many Indian processors of spices, seeds, psyllium, guar gum and dehydrated onion and garlic hold kosher certification.
Most kosher agencies used by Indian exporters are based abroad, especially in the US. They send a rabbinic supervisor to inspect the plant on a schedule.
Who needs it
- US food manufacturers, many of whom require kosher ingredients across their range.
- Brands that print a kosher symbol on the pack.
- Importers into Israel and kosher food distributors in Europe.
- Ingredient buyers whose own customers list kosher in the spec.
How kosher certification works at a plant
The agency reviews every ingredient, processing aid and cleaning agent used. It checks equipment, especially shared lines and heat treatments. A supervisor visits the plant to confirm the approved process is followed. Products that pass are listed on a certificate, often called a letter of certification.
For simple products such as whole cumin or psyllium husk, approval is usually straightforward. For blends, oils and processed foods there are more points to check.
What to check
- The agency's name, and whether your customer accepts that agency.
- The plant address on the certificate, which must match the plant you buy from.
- Each product listed by name, not just a category.
- The status, such as pareve, which means neither meat nor dairy.
- Validity dates, and whether a separate certificate is needed for Passover use.
- Whether the exporter is the certified plant or a trader reselling another plant's goods.
Traders and shipment certificates
A trader may show a kosher certificate that belongs to a different factory. That certificate does not cover goods bought elsewhere and repacked. Ask for the certificate in the name of the processing plant and check it against your audit. The difference matters, as covered in how to tell if a supplier is a trader or a processor.
Like halal, kosher is not a food safety certificate. You still need lab results for each lot.
Some customers want a kosher certificate per shipment rather than an annual letter. Ask the supplier whether their agency issues shipment certificates and how long that takes. Kosher markings on bags may also be needed, and only the certified plant may use the agency's symbol. Put any marking or shipment certificate requirement in your purchase order. If you plan a new product with the same plant, allow time for the agency to review and approve it before the first production run.
How Creston & Co handles this
We confirm that the kosher certificate belongs to the plant producing your lot, that your product is listed and that the agency suits your customer. The certificate then goes into the document pack for each shipment. Ask for a free sourcing review.