Initial Visit – Establishing Kosher Procedure

The Initial Visit provides the visiting rabbi with a comprehensive understanding of a
manufacturing facility. We do this in order to establish a streamlined certification program.

In addition, the Initial Visit provides OK Kosher with the necessary information
to execute the following:

Educate plant personnel regarding the facility’s specific kosher requirements. We will convey a
determination of the facility’s status, with relevant instructions, to the company in writing once the report is
approved.
Provide the local OK Kosher Field Representative who will be conducting the mid-year visits with necessary
instructions.

Please prepare the following documents and present them to the rabbi upon
arrival, to ensure an efficient visit and allow the Rabbinic Administrator to
review the report quickly.

 List of all products produced on site, regardless of whether the company is requesting them to be
kosher certified.
 List of all ingredients, raw materials or processing aids used or stored on site. Please include their
supplier information and all available, pertaining kosher certificates.
 Updated production flow charts for the manufacturing process.
 Blueprint of the facility site.

During the Initial Visit, the rabbi will tour all areas of the facility to understand its setup. He’ll need to learn
the production process in detail, including equipment, raw materials, purchasing, receiving, logs and cleaning
procedures. If there are any areas that require special permission for entry, please arrange access for the
rabbi prior to the visit. Failure to allow the Rabbi into any part of your facility could jeopardize
certification. Knowledgeable plant personnel must be available for any questions he may have during the
visit.
To support a smooth initial visit, please read our outline of the responsibilities of the Kosher Contact
person within the company.
As the world’s leading kosher certification firm, we’re pleased to provide the highest level of professionalism
and efficiency. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions in preparation for this visit

Please note that due to Jewish law and tradition, the Rabbi does not shake hands with female
personnel. This is done out of modesty and respect. We appreciate your understanding and
cooperation.
Kosher Program Contact Person Responsibilities

The Kosher Contact Person is the principal coordinator between your company and OK Kosher. They will
handle all aspects of the kosher program as detailed in your Certification Manual.

The ideal person for this role is:

 An employee of the certified company,
 In a position of responsibility in relation to regulatory and / or quality,
 Competent to implement and maintain kosher requirements as detailed in the custom-tailored
kosher requirements given to each manufacturing site, and
 Able to submit information and documentation via our digital portal in a timely manner.

The Kosher Contact will liaise with OK Kosher regarding all matters relating to certification,
including:
 New ingredient and vendor submission for approval via our online portal.
 Product formula submission, as well as reformulation of existing products and product name
changes, via our online portal.
 Label submission for all approved products, ensuring proper use of the trademarked OK Kosher logo.
 Ensuring that existing products and new products bear the correct restriction (such as Pareve, Dairy,
Passover, etc.) as displayed on their kosher certificate.
 Notifying OK Kosher any time production is shifted between approved facilities.
 Answering any questions regarding submitted information.
 Arranging visits to the manufacturing sites, and responding to any follow-up questions.
 Invoice payments in a timely manner.
 Private Label Agreements for any private label customers who wish to use the
trademarked OK Kosher logo on their products.
 Implementing the addition of new manufacturing or co-pack facilities to the existing company
contract.
 Annual renewal process, including updating expired ingredient certificates and payment of any
outstanding invoices.
 Coordinating with receiving personnel to ensure that only approved ingredients are brought into the
facility (as listed on the approved Raw Materials list), and that they comply with the Guide for
Receiving Kosher Ingredients.
 Notifying OK Kosher of any personnel changes relating to the kosher program.
 Posting the OK Kosher logo/OK Kosher certification on the company website. Although this is not
mandatory, it usually is of great benefit in marketing products to customers.

These guidelines reflect the needs of the most companies we certify. For companies with multiple
manufacturing facilities or divisions, we recognize that more than one kosher contact may be involved.
Special training is available for these situations, or for any of our customers who need specific
guidance. Please contact your dedicated OK Kosher Account Rep for more details.
Thank you, and we look forward to certifying your company!