The dietary laws that govern Judaism are called "Kashrut." Food that adheres to these laws is known as "kosher," the Hebrew word for "fit." Kashrut is compiled from the Jewish holy book, the Torah, in accordance with many of its passages. Jewish rabbis have also interpreted additional laws governing kosher food and its preparation based on the teachings of the Torah.
Forbidden Animals
Kashrut forbids the consumption of certain types of animals. Land mammals must have cloven hooves and chew their cud. That means pigs and rabbits are off limits. Cows, sheep and goats are allowed, as are certain game animals like deer. Fish must have fins and scales. Birds are generally allowed, with the exception of scavengers and birds of prey. Any by-products of forbidden animals are also forbidden, including their milk or eggs.
Kosher Butchering
Kosher meat must be butchered. You may not eat an animal that died of natural causes or was killed by another animal. In addition, only healthy animals may be considered kosher. Animals butchered due to illness are unclean. The animal must also be butchered humanely. The preferred method is slitting the throat with a sharp blade.
Blood
All kosher meat must be completely drained of its blood. The blood must be removed within 72 hours of the slaughter of the animal and before the meat is frozen.
Non-Kosher Sections of Meat
Most kosher meat comes from the front half of the animal, due to the fact that Jews are forbidden from consuming the sciatic nerve and the fat that surrounds some vital organs. These sections are located in the back half of the animal.
Meat and Dairy
Meat and dairy may not be served together, since the offspring may not be cooked in the mother's milk. The only flesh that may be consumed with dairy is fish. If a utensil or piece of cookware touches either meat or dairy, it may not touch the other without violating Kashrut. An observer must also wait to eat dairy after eating meat, or vice-versa, to avoid the foods mingling in the mouth.
Produce
While all fruits and vegetables are kosher, they can be nullified if insects or worms are found within them. Even if there are only holes eaten by a now-absent pest, the produce is not kosher. Jews are required to check all of their fruits and vegetables, and discard the ones that have been eaten by pests.
Wine and Beer
While grapes are allowed since they are a fruit, Kashrut forbids the consumption of wine products that are not made by observant Jews. If a non-Jew touches the bottle or glass after it has been opened, the wine is no longer considered kosher. This includes grape juice, or any beverage containing wine or grape juice. Beer is considered kosher unless it contains a grape by-product.
Kosher Certification
There is a rigorous certification process for processed food to be considered kosher. Three main organizations place logos on processed foods to certify their adherence to Kashrut. They are OK Kosher, represented by a purple "K" in a circle, OU Kosher, represented by an orange "U" in a circle, and Kof-K, represented by a green "K" flanked on three sides. These emblems appear on the packaging of processed kosher food.
Inspection of Meat and Prepared Foods
All meats must be inspected to ensure they adhere to the requirements of Kashrut. Any defects on the organs as well as the presence of certain fats and nerves will disqualify the meat. The bloodletting regulations must also be followed. In restaurants, every step of the food preparation process from reception of ingredients to service must be supervised by a rabbi or a mashgiach, someone responsible for verifying the rules of Kashrut were observed.
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