Introduction

THE kosher dietary laws determine which foods are “fit or proper” for con-sumption by Jewish consumers who observe these laws. The laws are Biblical in origin, coming mainly from the original five books of the Holy Scriptures. Over the years, the details have been interpreted and extended by the rabbis to protect the Jewish people from violating any of the fundamental laws and to address new issues and technologies. The Jewish laws are referred to as the “halacha.”