08 Feb KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

Cast iron cookware: Does it really need a hechsher?
Absolutely!: If it’s pure cast iron and it
doesn’t have anything else on the pots or
pans, then it doesn’t need a hechsher. But
this has become a very popular question. There are cast iron
pots that are sold that when the pots are made, there were
certain oils or spices baked into the pots and pans that will
be released as they’re used for cooking. This would certainly
be an issue because we have to make sure the oils and spices
that were baked in are Kosher. If they aren’t, there’s virtually
no way to Kosher those pots and pans.

Pig gelatin for marshmallows and yogurt: Is it ok?
As far as kashrus is concerned, gelatins that come from
pork are the worst type of gelatins. We would not use
pig gelatin for any product that we certify. Gelatin that
came from the bones or hide of any animal that isn’t
kosher is also not acceptable. Gelation must be from a
kosher animal, and when I say kosher, I don’t just mean
a kosher type of animal. I mean an an animal that was slaughtered and is really, properly kosher. I get questions all the time about many foods, particularly about medication that is in a gel-cap form.
That’s a real issue and something to avoid. Beef gelatin
is really not that common in the world of people who
keep kosher. There is some kosher beef gelatin, but it’s
less available and more expensive.
Kosher fish gelatin is what is most commonly used in
kosher products.