Kosher certification in Chiriqui

Panamanian producers will be able to position their agricultural products and export to markets in Israel and Europe if they choose to certify their products with the "Kosher" seal, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (Mici) reported today.

To introduce standardization, the Mici and the organization Shevet Ahim Panama, made a presentation to producers, guilds and cooperatives of Chiriqui, on the benefits and procedures to obtain the seal on fruits, vegetables and agro-industrial products.

Kosher certification is a document that identifies the foods, that according to the norms and specifications of the Jewish law, are allowed for their consumption.

The entire process, up to consumption, must be supervised by a "mashguíaj" authorized by one of the recognized Rabinatos in the world.

According to the laws of the Torah, to be eaten, a kosher species must be slaughtered by a "Schochet," a ritual slaughterer. Since Jewish Law prohibits causing any pain to animals, the slaughtering has to be done in such a way that unconsciousness is instantaneous and death occurs almost instantaneously. 

The executive director of Shevet Ahim Panama, Ezra Cohen, explained that the Kosher certification in Panamanian food, would avoid having to import products, thus being more accessible to the consumer.

"One of the benefits of our certification is that it opens a range of export opportunities to the local producer, this allows us to establish relationships with customers in the United States, Europe and Israel," Cohen added.

The head of Technical Assistance, Competitiveness and Export Development Mici, Jairo Valdés, said the initiative arose from the interest of satisfying the demand for consumer niches required by the kosher and halal sectors - suitable for Muslims - in the European and North American markets .

Kosher supervision is an audit carried out in the production plant of each food company by the supervisor of the certifier to ensure that the production complies with the required standards and specifications.