I’ve heard that kosher foods are healthier than nonkosher foods. Is this true?
In general, kosher foods and products are neither more nutritious nor safer, and they can contain just as much fat, sugar and salt as their nonkosher counterparts. But you’re not alone in thinking that they might be a better option. The kosher food industry has been growing for years, presumably because consumers believe kosher products are healthier or safer. In fact, fewer than 15% of those who consume kosher foods do so for religious reasons. The kosher designation is a religious one. Kosher foods are prepared in accordance with Jewish religious regulations, which include the stipulation that animals must be raised and handled humanely (though they can still be raised on large factory farms, and there are no rules on what they are fed and whether they can be given antibiotics). Regulations also outline how the animal must be slaughtered. Kosher practices do not address the presence of harmful microbes that can be present in fresh beef and poultry. A 2011 multistate outbreak of salmonellosis was traced to kosher chicken livers, indicating that kosher poultry can be a source of harmful microbes just as nonkosher meat is. Kosher poultry, for example, is not scalded in hot water to remove feathers, as is done with conventionally processed poultry. Thus, kosher poultry does not get the hot water bath that kills bacteria. However, it is salted—a process that does have antibacterial benefits but also increases sodium levels for the consumer. To prevent the growth of bacteria, handle kosher meat with the same precautions you would any other meat—separate raw meat from cooked…refrigerate leftovers promptly…don’t leave chicken salad or other meat products out in the sun…and always cook thoroughly. All meat sold in the US must undergo USDA inspection, whether it’s kosher, organic or raised without antibiotics. Meats certified halal (the Islamic religious designation) are subject to many of the same religious regulations as kosher. Depending on your dietary needs, kosher products might be a good choice for you. For example, if you’re lactose-intolerant or vegetarian, you can be sure that products labeled “pareve” or “parve” (these terms mean the same thing) contain no trace of dairy or meat. People who have celiac disease and/or follow a gluten-free diet can find lots of clearly labeled options among kosher products. (That’s especially true during Passover, when you can find gluten-free versions of foods you may not find the rest of the year, such as matzo crackers and baking products.)
