Kosher is a term originally used to describe that which is "fit" and "proper". Most often, it is used to denote foods that are permitted to be eaten by people who observe Jewish dietary laws of kashrut (kosher).
The kosher certification verifies that the ingredients, production process, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of kashrut (Jewish dietary law) as stipulated in the Shulchan Arukh, the benchmark of religious Jewish law. The certification agency employs mashgichim (rabbinic field representatives) to make periodic site visits and oversee the food-production or food-service process in order to verify ongoing compliance. Each agency has its own trademarked symbol that it allows manufacturers and food-service providers to display on their products or in-store certificates; use of this symbol can be revoked for non-compliance.
The products listed on this page are Kosher certified Pareve by Natural Food Certifiers, Spring Valley, NY. Founded in 1997, the Apple K Kosher Natural Program is based on the principle that kosher foods should be good for both the soul, and body. Rabbi Reuven Flamer, founder and administrator, is a trained organic inspector, an ordained Rabbi at Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch 770, and a graduate of Morristown Rabbinical College in New Jersey. He began his career in the natural products industry in 1976, by establishing "Le Centre," a natural food co-operative in the Laurentian Mountains, 60 miles outside of Montreal.
Spices, Inc. undergoes a regular audit to ensure that Kosher status is maintained. Kosher certification documents are available upon request.