Hechsher

A hechsher (plural: hechsherim) is a symbol placed on food packaging to certify that the product complies with the requirements of Jewish law (kashrut). It is a certification mark issued by a kosher certifying agency (also called a hechsher), indicating that the ingredients, production process, and equipment used in manufacturing the product meet the standards of kashrut as determined by that specific agency. Different hechsherim reflect varying standards and stringencies within kashrut observance. The presence of a hechsher provides assurance to kosher consumers that the food item is permissible to eat. The specific appearance of a hechsher varies from agency to agency, and can include symbols such as circles, squares, or specific letters or combinations of letters. The exact meaning of the symbol and the certifying agency it represents should be verifiable by the consumer.