NEW EMPHASIS ON HEALTHY KOSHER FOOD

FROM KOSHER TODAY OCT. 4, 2010

A health-oriented approach seems to be one of the unofficial themes of Kosherfest. The Star-K kosher certification agency has partnered with Quality Assurance International for a joint kosher-organic auditing program. In a statement, the Star-K said, “With food contaminants such as E. coli and melamine making headlines routinely, manufacturers have turned towards kosher and organic certifications to assure retailers and consumers of the quality and safety of their food products. The rapidly rising parallel global demand for each of these certifications has created a flourishing new specialty food category, “Kosher organic”, which meet both the strict requirements of Jewish dietary laws and the USDA National Organic Program specifications. This was the impetus behind STAR-K Certification’s joint kosher-organic auditing program with Quality Assurance International (QAI). STAR-K rabbis, who are trained to conduct both kosher and organic inspections, can now provide both certifications with one audit, saving companies, across the nation, both cost and time.” “Spread the Health” is the actual slogan of another 2010 Kosherfest product line, Natrazyle. Imitation honey and sugar-free ketchup are sweetened with xylitol, an all-natural sweetener that is a healthy alternative to sugar and typical sugar substitutes, completely safe for diabetics, and gluten-free.