USDA Certification
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a uniform set of production methods for growing and processing organic food. If farmers and manufacturers meet these standards, which include annual on-site inspections by third-party inspectors, their crops or food are certified to be organic. If a food product has between 95% to 100% organic content, it may be called "organic" and the USDA Organic seal may be used on the packaging
see diagram
The USDA's organic certification standards took ten years to create. Consumer watch-dog organization Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports®. magazine, had this to say about them:
"The 'organic' label meets virtually all of Consumers Union's criteria for a good eco-label. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) sets, defines and regulates the use and meaning of organic on food. The meaning is clearly defined and consistent and compliance with the standards is ensured by independent certifiers." (2)
SOURCES
1. United States Agriculture Department, "The National Organic Standards--Final Rule," accessed here.
2. Consumers Union, "A new organic food label." April 26, 2001, accessed at
www.eco-label.org
.
Canadian Certification
Although there have been many intentions, there is currently no National Organic Certification program available in Canada. Also see glossary for more
information
.
Kosher Certified
As taken from the
Vaad Ha’ir of Winnipeg Website
The Consumer Affairs Department has instituted a regulation making it a Federal offence to use the word "Kosher" in connection with any food unless it meets the requirements of KASHRUTH - Jewish Dietary Laws. The Act protects the Jewish consumer from misrepresentation and violators of the Kosher regulation. The Act states: "No person shall use, in labeling, packaging, advertising or selling of food that does not meet the requirements of "KASHRUTH" applicable to it, the word "kosher" or any letter of the Hebrew alphabet, or any other word, expression, depiction, sign, symbol, mark, device or other representation that indicates, or that is likely to create an impression that the food is Kosher". (Food & Drug Act #B.01.049)
The Dietary Laws
A kosher kitchen does not permit the mixing of meat and milk. They cannot be eaten, served or cooked together. Separate sets of utensils are kept for meat foods and dairy foods. Pareve foods (neither milk nor meat) can be eaten or prepared with meat or dairy foods. Neutral (pareve) foods are fresh fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee, grains, etc. Meat and poultry must be properly slaughtered and koshered in the manner outlined in the Jewish dietary laws. The intent of this publication is to present a brief guideline and some basic kashruth information. The young homemaker is advised to consult a competent Rabbinic authority. There are numerous books available on the practical observance of kashruth.
Traditional Judaism: A Glorious Heritage
Kashruth, or keeping kosher, is part of a way of life. The Shulchan Aruch outlines the dietary laws as contained in the Bible, the Talmud and through the sages. It contributes, along with the other Judaic laws, to a unique lifestyle. The joy of Sabbath, the festivals, the holy days and the ethical and moral teachings form the base for family living filled with dignity, respect and spiritual beauty. Significant factors for observing the Jewish dietary laws are: Laws are divinely ordained, Hygienically wise, Of spiritual value, and Perpetuate Jewish identity. All or any of these factors contribute to the sanctification and unique character of the Jewish home.
Kasruth Today
In these days of modern technology there are amazing changes in the food industry. From day to day the grocer's shelves are filled with new products. Convenience foods are emphasized as our lifestyles become busier. Many foods today carry added vitamins and minerals. Diet conscious people require more nutrients and natural foods with high protein such as soybean, replacing the longstanding regulars. Kashruth agencies have an on-going program of researching new products for certification. We can look forward to a large assortment of these exciting products in easy-to-serve boil-in-bags, mix-and-serve and a greater variety of pareve foods.
For more information please contact:
VAAD HA’IR of Winnipeg, Inc.
C306 - 123 Doncaster Street Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B2
ph (204) 487-9571 fax (204) 477-7405
E-mail:
wkvaad@mts.net
,
RStokoloff@aspercampus.mb.ca
Halal Certified
In Islam, Halal is an Arabic term meaning “lawful or permissible” and not only encompasses food and drink, but all matters of daily life.
http://www.isaiowa.org/
