The phrase Kosher is used many different ways in our culture.  In almost every case that we know of the phrase Kosher, means something is OK.

Here are some common signage consumers see on product packages.  On a food package it stands to represent that the product has been inspected and meets the criteria for a "Kosher Diet".

Some common misconceptions are that a rabbi has offered a blessing over a food for a fee and it is now Kosher.  If only it were that simple -- McDonald's, Wendy's, BK would all be Kosher -- which is not true, those foods are not. 

Certain foods are inherently Kosher in accordance with Kosher Dietary Laws, whole grains, and vegetables are good examples.  What is also important is that everything to do with a given food source must also be practiced in accordance with Kosher Dietary Laws.  This means that the growing, harvesting, handling and storage are also part of the equation -- that a food is not cross-contaminated.  Sometimes we purchase produce or dried foods that have been cured, part of the preserving process with oil -- that oil must also be of Kosher Origin.  An All Beef Frankfurter, cannot be packed inside a "casing" made from a Pig or other animal that is not Kosher.

The Kosher Certification is a protection for consumers that a food is truely Kosher, that a thorough and complete inspection has taken place.  Typically monthly meetings are staged by Rabbi's doing continuous, routine site inspections in order for a food facility and products to maintain their recognition as being Kosher.

Kosher Dietary Laws in some instances are tied to good health and digestive practices.  Likewise there are different distinctions of Kosher.  Kosher Dairy, means there is the presence of dairy products either directly in the food or a food has come in contact with Dairy Products.  Kosher "Pareve" is the term used to distinguish that a food is neutral -- it is neither from the meat or a dairy group. If you are a Vegan or Vegetarian Kosher Pareve is an instant identifier that this food is safe for your diet.

In the case of Berkshire Grain products we have gone through the thorough evaluation by a recognized leading rabbinical authority, the Orthodox Union and our granola products all meet the criteria of Kosher Dairy.  For many this may not be important -- it does however indicate that our products have gone through not only an Organic Certification process, but also has been thoroughly evaluated and meets the criteria for acceptance by those following a Kosher Diet.

Another misconception is that Kosher Certified Foods are only for Jewish people.  Not at all true.  For many non-religious groups of people there is the appreciation that Kosher represents a certain standard of dietary conditions that they strive to achieve in their own diets.  Kosher Dietary Laws are similarly accepted by by several different religions, and not just Orthodox Jews.  

For more information about Kosher Dietary Laws the internet has a wealth of information.  If you've heard of Kosher, but never knew what it was 

 -- see the following link.

http://kosherfood.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&zTi=1&sdn=kosherfood&cdn=food&tm=19&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http://www.jewfaq.org/kashrut.htm