Proposed Kosher Certification Rules

[flashl]

NY Times
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 1, 2008

Conservative Jewish leaders are seeking to protect workers and the environment at kosher food plants like the one raided this spring in Iowa. They issued draft guidelines for a kosher certification program meant as a supplement to the traditional certification process that measures compliance with Jewish dietary law. The proposed “hekhsher tzedek,” or “certificate of righteousness,” would be awarded to companies that pay fair wages, ensure workplace safety, follow government environmental regulations and treat animals humanely, among other proposed criteria. Support for the idea has been fueled by controversies at Agriprocessors Inc. in Postville, Iowa, the nation’s largest kosher meatpacking plant. In May, immigration officials raided the plant, arresting nearly 400 workers.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Good idea. It would be nice to know that the meat that costs so much more is

actually processed in a way that makes it worthwhile.

[madaboutharry]

2. This is a good idea.

n/t