How to Read a Kashrut Certificate
A kashrut certificate is a document with a date, not a sign. It states who is responsible, for exactly what, and until when. This page reviews the fields that appear on it.
Who Signed — The Most Important Field
First and foremost, it's worth checking who the certifying body is. A local Religious Council, Rabbinate, or Badatz—each has different practices, and those who are particular know what they accept. Two certificates both labelled "Mehadrin" and signed by two different bodies are not necessarily the same thing.
Validity date
Every certificate has an expiry date, and it usually appears in both the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars. An expired certificate looks exactly like a valid one—same paper, same stamp—which is why the date is the first thing worth checking when you're standing in front of the sign.
Some certificates are valid only subject to daily confirmation. In such cases the expiry date is not enough, and you need to check regarding the specific day itself.
What the certificate covers
A certificate may cover a specific kitchen, a specific branch or a specific event—and not everything that takes place at the venue. When this is the case, it is stated in the certificate itself. This is common in complexes, chains and event halls.
Kashrut level
The certificate states "kosher" or "kosher Mehadrin". "Mehadrin" is not a single standard but a family of stringencies, and the exact details of what is practised usually appear in the notes on the certificate.
Meat, dairy or parve
Most certificates specify the type of food. When it doesn't appear, it doesn't mean the establishment is mixed — it means the certificate didn't specify. In such a place it's worth asking, especially if ordering dessert or a hot drink.
The Mashgiach
The certificate shows the name of the Mashgiach and sometimes his phone number as well. This is published precisely so that it is possible to contact and clarify, and it is the fastest way to get a definite answer to a specific question.
What does not appear on the certificate
Opening hours, business telephone, menu and prices are not part of the certificate. When displayed on our site they come from another source and are marked as such — they may change without notice, and it is advisable to verify with the establishment.
What to check when you arrive
- That the certificate is displayed in a visible location and that the date on it is still valid.
- That the name and address on the certificate are those of the location you are at — and not of another branch of the same chain.
- That if there is a note on the certificate, it does not necessarily apply to what you are ordering.
for an explanation of the remarks that appear on the certificate
We are not a kashrut-certifying body and we do not rule on halachic questions. This page explains what is written on the certificate so that it can be read — the decision of what is sufficient for you is yours and your community rabbi's.
