OK Kosher Certification
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OK Kosher Certification is one of the worlds largest and most trusted agencies granting kosher certification.
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[edit] Early history
In 1935 Abraham Goldstein founded Organized Kashrut Laboratories (OK Labs) to meet the American Jewish community's need for Kosher food products. OK Labs earned a sterling reputation for reliability and integrity.
In 1968 Rabbi Bernard Levy purchased OK Labs. he was already involved in kosher certification several years prior to the purchase. At the time it was certifying a relatively small number of companies, but with his energy and vision the organization began to grow rapidly, certifying companies in other countries and continents. Rabbi Levy revolutionized the methods employed by kosher certifying agencies to verify the nature of products. Until then, many ingredients of products were assumed to be kosher, without visiting the company of each one. His policy was to travel to each and every company to see how the production was done first hand. This led him to further investigate other companies, as many ingredients branched off to more sub-ingredients. As the organization grew, and the workload increased, Rabbi Levy's son, Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, joined the OK to help expand the organization.
[edit] Today
After the death of Rabbi Bernard Levy in 1987, his son Rabbi Don Yoel Levy assumed leadership of the organization.
With more than 10 million consumers seeking kosher products in the United States alone, the kosher food industry has seen rapid growth in the past two decades, with sales reaching $165 billion in 2002 1. Today the OK Certifies over 140,000 products, produced by over 1500 companies worldwide, including such food giants like Kraft, Snapple, and ConAgra. It employs over 350 Rabbis worldwide 2.
Besides giving Kosher Certification, the OK actively promotes the appreciation and observance of kosher laws and attitudes.
Its headquarters are in Brooklyn, New York. It also has offices in Europe and Israel. The OK is also an active sponsor of the Jewish Children's Museum.
