Keeping Kosher For Health: Hungry For Change

More people are purchasing kosher food for health concerns rather than religious dietary restrictions, according to a recent survey.  The results are not too surprising considering the recent salmonella outbreak and growing concerns over food safety.  Kosher food is generally assumed to be more carefully produced and closely inspected, using rules based on Jewish dietary laws, so to many people it seems a safer bet, regardless of any religious affiliation.  And generally speaking it is. Unfortunately some kosher-designated farms still operate on such a large scale that the food might not be as safe as you might hope.  This past fall, the New York Times explored a renewed interest in kosher practices that don't involve factory farms.  Drawing a connection between sustainablity and pious food preparation people are reconsidering what makes something kosher.  Paying closer attention to where our food comes from will benefit us all, whether or not we go for the kosher option. The closer we move towards a more local and sustainable food system, and the further from industrialized food, the safer and healthier we will be. takepart by learning more about the problems with industrialized food on the upcoming Food Inc. action page.  And share your thoughts on keeping kosher, religiously or not, in the comments section below: Photo:  Loop_oh's Flicker Photostream (Creative Commons)