Can someone explain Kosher to me?

[Jenn Lynn]

I am trying to do research on Dairy free products. I have come across a couple of websites that talk about Kosher symbols, but I am not comprehending it well tonight.

A couple of my products have a 'K' in a circle and a 'U' in a circle. What does this mean for my product? Does it mean it is dairy free?

I am so confused!

 

[phillybeth]

Circle K and Circle U are different Kosher certifying agencies. Kosher does not necessarily have anything to do with whether or not the food contains a dairy product or derivative. The best way to tell if a product is dairy-free is to check the ingredient statment on the label.
However, if a product is Kosher dairy approved, there will be a small D next to the circle K or circle U.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Kosher means the food has been prepared in accordance to dietary laws.

For example:
Animals are slaughtered without pain
Meat and milk never come in contact

Food with a K or U on it means it was prepared under the dietary laws but it does not mean it's dairy free unless it's a meat product.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

OK, thanks. I saw a couple of differnt lists of Kosher symbols so I wasn't sure what I was looking for.

This dairy free thing is SUCH a lifestyle change. Trying to figure it out when you don't have much time is a PAIN. I am hoping DS outgrows it.

 

[justhat]

We had a boy in the daycare I worked at who had a milk protein allergy and another mom asked for a milk-free cupcake recipe when baking for her daughter's birthday so the whole class could eat one. The "allergy boy's mom" said "Any cake mix that says Kosher is fine." I thought that meant no milk, but after reading phillybeth's post I guess not. Luckily this little boy didn't have a reaction from the cupcakes.

 

[phillybeth]

One thing you can look for- something that is certified Kosher parve (or pareve, spelling varies) is both dairy and meat free.

 

[Microcell]

Kosher means the food has been prepared in accordance to dietary laws.

For example:
Animals are slaughtered without pain
Meat and milk never come in contact

Food with a K or U on it means it was prepared under the dietary laws but it does not mean it's dairy free unless it's a meat product.

They are not necessarily slaughtered without pain. The butcher, though, must be a very religious sort, with a sensitivity for the animal's pain. Many have been known to cry while slaughtering the animal. The animal in order to be kosher must be treated with utmost respect. A rabbi must be watching the slaughter.

That is beside the point. The symbols mentioned above are simply the rabbinical seal. The D reflects dairy. If it says Parave on it, there is no dairy in it. That means you can have the food either with dairy or meat. Hope that helps.

 

[phillybeth]

They are not necessarily slaughtered without pain.

Correct. They do need however to be killed humanely, in a way to minimize pain, and be killed 'cleanly' i.e. in one attempt. And IIRC, if an animal survives the first attempt at slaughter it cannot be killled for food.