NOVOZYMES is the biotechbased world leader in enzymes and microorganisms. Using nature’s own technologies, at Novozymes we continuously expand the frontiers of biological solutions to improve industrial performance everywhere. In 2004, Novozymes had a market share in industrial enzymes of approximately 44 percent, and sales of approximately $100 million. Novozymes’ more than 600 products are a key factor in the production of thousands of products you use in your everyday life – from the textiles in your clothes to the food you eat. In more than 40 different industries and 130 countries, our biological solutions improve industrial performance and quality, while at the same time saving water, energy, raw materials and waste.
By Jes Knudsen
I never learned about kosher rules when I studied at the technical university. And did not really know what kosher was all about, except that it was something about not eating pork. Consequently there was a great deal for me to learn when I became involved in coordinating Novozymes’ kosher compliance.
By Rabbi A. Gordimer
There is a German expression Alles iz in butter” (Literally: Everything is in butter.) This phrase means that everything is fine and in order. Historically, butter was a product that was viewed as being kosher without any serious issues. Generally, all aspects concerning the ingredients and manufacturing process were considered to be acceptable. Butter was generally produced by churning cream so that the butterfat flocculated (clumped together) to form butter; the byproduct from this process being buttermilk. No other additives were used. In fact, in halacha, there are many shitos that do not consider butter to be subject to the restrictions of chalav akum as long as there is no residual milk fluid in the butter (see Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 115:7 and Shach ad loc.). Even today, based on these shitos, many people who are careful to use cholov Yisroel products exclusively are lenient with butter. Some kosher consumers purchase higher grades of butter even without any kosher certification. Are these practices advisable in light of the many changes, both in terms of ingredients and manufacturing techniques, that have occurred in standard butter production? How do these changes affect the kosher of butter? Do the traditionally lenient approaches to the kashrus of butter still apply? From the standpoint of kosher, can we still say about butter, “Alles iz in butter”?
By Rabbi Dovid Bistricer
While we shop, before purchasing a particular item we routinely ask ourselves, “Is it kosher?” The prudent kosher consumer will always check the label to confirm whether a kosher symbol appears on the label. However, due to the vast number of kosher agencies that operate throughout the world, sometimes checking labels for kosher symbols can resemble alphabet soup. Today, the number of kosher symbols internationally exceeds 700, and we often find ourselves in a sea of confusion. If a kosher symbol appears on a product label, we might be tempted to tell ourselves, “It must be fine, isn’t it? I am sure it’s all the same”.
By Rabbi Dovid Cohen
It is well known that a few generations ago the Poskim discussed whether gelatin made from animal bones is kosher, and the general consensus in the United States was that it is not kosher. This article will focus on the more-recent developments regarding this ingredient.
It's Anything But A Symbolic Gesture To Assure That The Famed OU Kosher Symbol Is Not Misused.
The typical kosher consumer picks a coveted food item off the shelf to take a closer look at the label. If he/she sees the familiar Orthodox Union OU symbol, the product has undoubtedly found a home. Over 60 percent of America’s kosher-certified products bear the OU and kosher consumers rely on it as a sign of assurance that the product meets the highest kosher standards. Thus, when a product displaying an unauthorized OU appears in the marketplace, the Orthodox Union responds swiftly and efficiently.
By Rabbi Yisroel Bendelstein
An age-old adage declares, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” The conventional approach to understanding the profundity of this truism is that, contrary to popular belief, life in our modern-day society resembles the life of our ancestors far more than it differs from it. Lessons gleaned from history give direction on how to proceed in the future. The Ramban called this an “inyan gadol” – a matter of paramount importance – when he commented (Bereishis 12:6): Kol ma she’ira la’avos, siman labanim, “Everything that transpired in the lives of the Patriarchs is a portent for their descendants.” The Torah is the embodiment of this reality. Its laws are as contemporary as they are timeless, and its historical accounts relating the events of thousands of years ago are ever relevant to the here and now. Times may be different, but life’s challenges and appropriate responses to those challenges, as set forth by the Torah, remain the same.
Rabbi Menachem Genack, Chief Executive Officer of the Orthodox Union Kashrut (Kosher) Department, presented Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) with a copy of the 21st and latest issue of the Department’s highly regarded journal, Mesorah. The issue is dedicated to Senator Lieberman’s mother, Marsha, who died in June.
By Rabbi Chaim Goldberg
For many kosher agencies, handling regular productions is…regular. Once an organization has a system in place for handling plant inspections, ingredient substitutions, label changes, new equipment and production adjustments, the key is simply to maintain the status quo. That is, until a plant wishes to do a “special production”.
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