New Kosher Guidelines Detailed

NEW YORKThe Hekhsher Tzedek Commission, which created the guidelines with the backing of the national bodies of Conservative Judaism, released new, detailed standards in food production that companies will be required to meet if they want to earn a Magen Tzedek (seal of justice) certification on their products.

As reported by the Jewish news site Forward.com, those standards broadly break down into five areastreatment of employees, animal welfare, consumer issues, corporate integrity and environmental impact. The guidelines state that the new certification is targeted at kosher products because those are specifically of interest to Jews and already claim a special status in the Jewish community. But the guidelines are careful to note that Magen Tzedek is in addition to, not instead of, the kosher hekhsher mark.