OK Kosher Certification Data Submission Requirements Guide

OK Kosher certification body data submission requirements guide

For applicants applying for kosher certification and submitting data for the first time, please use the following guide to familiarize yourself with OK Kosher''s specific data submission requirements, which will help ensure that your kosher certification program can be established easily and efficiently.

How to apply for kosher certification? OK Kosher provides you with a comprehensive guide

The OK Kosher certification body provides companies applying for kosher certification with a highly advanced, customer-oriented online system for managing their kosher information. The portal supports online submission of ingredients and products, ingredient submission history, raw material management, product inventory, and access to the company''s kosher certificate.

For any product to obtain kosher certification, OK Kosher needs to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the product meets kosher standards. By submitting the complete formula of all products - including a complete list of all specific ingredients used in each product - OK Kosher creates and maintains a complete list of ingredients and products for the applicant. The data evaluation includes:

Formula details

Each submitted formula must include a detailed and specific list, detailing the details of each and every ingredient in the manufactured product. This includes, but is not limited to, any internal formulas - that is, mixtures or sub-formulas prepared by the applicant itself (rather than purchased as finished products) - as well as any processing aids. OK Kosher does not require any specific dosage or ingredient percentage information.

II. Ingredient list

1. Ingredient name

Usually an ingredient may have two names - the name given by the manufacturer that appears on the ingredient label, and the name given by factory personnel, the R&D department, etc. for internal reference. For example, factory personnel may call what the manufacturer calls "corn syrup" a "sweetener." When applying for kosher certification, both names must be submitted. OK Kosher''s cutting-edge database system can support two ingredient names for added flexibility. If the applicant uses raw material codes (RMC), these should also be submitted for better tracking and maintaining the integrity of the enterprise''s kosher program.

2. Manufacturer information

When submitting the supplier or manufacturer name, please use the name printed on the ingredient''s label, which should match the name on its kosher certificate.

3. Ingredient source

If there are multiple sources of a specific ingredient, each supplier needs to be reviewed and approved.

III. Kosher certification

Today, there are many kosher bodies around the world, and as with any product or service, the degree to which different bodies adhere to kosher standards may vary. OK Kosher is proud to maintain the highest possible standards, which is OK Kosher''s assurance to the applicant''s customers and to the end kosher consumers. Therefore, in some cases, OK Kosher will reject kosher certification applications for certain products. If a product''s current certification cannot be accepted, or kosher information cannot be obtained, OK Kosher will try to provide the applicant with a list of acceptable alternative sources based on the information in its database.

When submitting a kosher certification application, applicants are requested to provide the following information as required:

1. Please specify the ingredient name, which should match the name shown on the kosher certificate and include the name of the certification body.

2. Provide a clear and legible copy.

3. Ensure the certificate is valid and not expired.

4. Mark an arrow next to the submitted item; OK Kosher needs to know exactly which item is being applied for. Some kosher certificates may list many items, as in kosher certification sample 2 below.

Kosher certification sample 1

Kosher certification sample 2

5. If RMC is used, please fill in the corresponding code next to the item.

6. If there is no kosher certification letter, please indicate so, so that OK Kosher can further advise you.

7. Some raw materials may be certified both in labeled packaging and as bulk products. Bulk refers to goods transported by tanker, train, ISO tank, etc. Please ensure that the product state covered by the submitted kosher certificate matches the packaging form in which you actually receive it.

A detailed application form can be obtained by contacting SINOQUAL.

IV. Finished product list and labels

All finished product labels must match the kosher certification certificate issued to the applicant. For this reason, OK Kosher requires a detailed list of all finished products and samples of all labels (if available at this stage). If labels are not yet in place, only the product list needs to be sent at this stage. Labels must be reviewed and pre-approved once they become available.

1. The OK Kosher logo should be placed on or near the product name and should be clearly visible on the label.

2. You may scale the logo up or down proportionally, but may not alter it in any other way. The OK Kosher logo on the product should be as large as possible, usually more than 10 mm in width where space permits. Printing a smaller-sized OK Kosher logo is allowed, but the logo must be clearly legible when the product is displayed. In special cases, if the product''s size makes this requirement impossible, the applicant may apply for authorization to use another "small variant version" of the logo, which can be obtained from SINOQUAL.

3. Acceptable colors for the logo include black, blue, red, gold, or silver.

4. If the applicant wishes to reference text containing the OK Kosher logo, it must be submitted for pre-approval.

5. Printing the OK Kosher logo on unauthorized labels or seals constitutes trademark infringement. If the applicant needs to print labels (due to reasons such as a printing error on the label or the relevant symbol not being printed on the label), then the label must contain the product name, company name, and location information, and must be permanently affixed. Before printing begins, the label must be approved by SINOQUAL.

6. Applicants can consult SINOQUAL to learn about the type of symbol that should be displayed on their retail or industrial certified products. This will avoid errors or misunderstandings that may cause consumer confusion or product recalls, as well as any errors that need to be communicated to the public through the media.