“We certify thousands of companies,” Levy said, “but ConAgra Foods is unique. It’s a company that never takes shortcuts, and, for that and much more, we want to recognize its outstanding dedication to providing superior kosher foods.” Accepting the plaque, Rodkin observed that consumer insights show that consumers increasingly associate kosher foods with a high level of quality. “It’s become a way to make people feel better about the food they eat and, in our case, the food they love. We’re very proud of our many kosher-certified brands and are deeply committed to preserving their safety and purity.”

OK Kosher also recognized Research, Quality & Innovation’s Food Labeling team for the work it does to help ensure that kosher standards and practices are communicated throughout RQI and the supply chain.

• Tomato products manufactured at plants in Oakdale and Helm, Calif., and in Newport, Tenn.
• Edible oils processed in Memphis, Tenn.
• Popcorn and snacks products made in Hamburg and Lakeview, Iowa, Morral, Ohio, Brookston and Rensselaer, Ind., and Lincoln, Neb.
• Non-meat dishes created in Turners Falls, Mass.
• Peanut butter manufactured in Sylvester, Ga.
• Puddings made in Waterloo, Iowa, and pudding, gels and certain varieties of cocoa made in Menomonie, Wis.
• Ice cream toppings and some tomato products processed in Humboldt, Tenn.
• Asian vegetables manufactured in Archbold, Ohio
• Seeds processed in Fresno, Calif., and St. Louis
• Sauces created in Laval, Quebec
• Snack bars made in Lakeville, Minn., and Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Some Lamb Weston product lines
• A number of co-packers performing contract work for ConAgra Foods

In addition to celebrating the recognition ConAgra Foods received, RQI team members met with OK Kosher representatives to discuss possible future collaboration on educational, marketing and brand development strategies.

1. Ability for multiple personnel to access your kosher data online.

• You have control over adding or deleting authorized users to your DigitalKosher account. Allow specified personnel to add/remove data, including ingredients and formulas, as well as alter the viewing settings for your kosher certificates.
• You can use a K-ID as a place holder on your internal data warehousing system (e.g. SAP etc). Any internal staff with access to your system (e.g. plant managers, sales people, etc), can click on the hyperlink and get access to the latest kosher certificate.
• You can allow plant personal or corporate access to full OK product lists and/or ingredient lists in searchable and downloadable format.

A kosher ingredient is one that is certified by a reputable kosher certification agency and approved for use by the OK.

Application for:

• Receiving: The receiving department must check all incoming ingredients for kosher products to ensure that they are on the approved ingredient list and conform to the specifications on the kosher certificate (i.e. kosher symbol on package, bulk certificate, lot number, etc.).

• Production: Only approved kosher ingredients with the correct designation (meat, dairy, pareve, or Passover) can be used in the production of kosher products.

Rabbi Eli Lando recently joined the staff of the OK as Chief Customer Relations Officer. Rabbi Lando was born and raised in Israel where he received ordination as a rabbi.  Rabbi Lando is also a graduate of UBC Business Sauder school.

Rabbi Lando began his career in kosher supervision at BC Kosher in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Rabbi Lando served as director of BC Kosher for six years, where he gained much practical experience in kosher certification, meeting with kosher certified companies around the world and visiting production facilities. Throughout his career in the Kosher industry, Rabbi Lando has been an early adopter of unique customer relations approach, understanding the competitive edge it can bring to an organization.

Rabbi Lando brings a unique perspective to our organization with his in-depth knowledge of customer needs. He serves an important role in assisting our customers and driving the team to provide the highest levels of service.

Rabbi Lando and his staff looks forward to making personal contact with each OK certified company and is always available through OK headquarters to speak with you and answer any comments or questions regarding your relationship with OK Kosher Certification.