In October, thousands of people gathered in Secaucus, N.J., for the No. 1 kosher food and beverage trade event of the year, Kosherfest. More than 300 companies from around the world, including Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods, showcased their range of certified-kosher food and beverages to retailers, manufacturers and those in the foodservice and distribution industries.

Some consumers may notice that all of Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods products are certified-kosher. Though there is definitely a portion of the population that understands what kosher means, for those who don’t know, the following are some basic facts:

•    Kosher foods are prepared in accordance with Jewish Dietary Laws, which are derived from Biblical laws and rabbinical extensions.
•    Jews have been following the Jewish Dietary Laws for at least the last 3,000 years.
•    About 15 percent of Jews in America keep kosher today, though at various levels. Typically, Orthodox Jews maintain the strictest standards, while Conservative and Reform Jews may be more lenient in their observance of the laws.
•    Kosher certifying agencies exist to determine the kosher status of foods and print kosher certification labels on packages of kosher food.

According to About.com, in their most Biblical form, Jewish Dietary Laws state the following:

•    Pork, rabbit, eagle, owl, catfish, sturgeon, and any shellfish, insect or reptile are non-kosher.
•    Other species of meat and fowl must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner to be kosher.
•    Meat and dairy products may not be made or consumed together.

Since Dr. Praeger’s products are certified-kosher, those keeping kosher can rest assured that the products they consume meet the Jewish Dietary Laws. For those who don’t keep kosher but are interested in the preparation of their food, rest assured that Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods are prepared under strictly observed guidelines.