If you’re Jewish, you know that you have a big responsibility to keep your food kosher. But what about seafood? Fish are one of the most popular kinds of foods you can buy in stores, and you’re likely to find several varieties. Here are some tips on what to look for and how to know whether the fish you’re buying is kosher.
Fish with scales and fins
The Torah has a number of dietary laws regarding fish. One of them is that fish with scales and fins are kosher. Fish is a good source of protein and is low in calories. Aside from that, it has a good digestive system, making it easy to digest.
Kosher fish are typically found in the epi pelagic zone. This region of the ocean is located off the coast of the continent. There are several species of fish which are kosher including cod, haddock, flounder, salmon, and swordfish. These animals have scales and fins and are readily identifiable by their skin. They are also considered to be a healthy alternative to other foods, as they are lower in sodium.
To know if a fish is kosher, it is important to understand what it is. Many people think that a fish is kosher if it has a scale or fin, but this is not necessarily true. Other factors to consider are its size, weight, and whether it can be easily removed without damaging the underlying skin.
The Torah mentions many fish in its list of permitted foods, but it does not list all of them. Moreover, it does not say anything about predators. Some Islamic schools of thought relax their rules on eating sea food, and some rabbinic authorities are concerned that non-kosher sea creatures may be marketed as kosher.
The only fish that are not kosher are sharks, eels, squid, and shellfish. Some other notable species include clams, shrimp, and lobsters.
When purchasing a fish, look for the fish that has scales and fins. It should be close to the head and behind the tail. Likewise, it is a good idea to keep scaled fish away from non-kosher sea creatures.
The best way to determine if a fish is kosher is to ask a halachicly-reliable person who is familiar with the subject at hand. If you cannot verify this, it is a good idea to ask the local fish store clerk for guidance. Alternatively, you can check online for a kosher fish guide.
Canned fish
Canned fish is a staple in many households. The process of canning fish requires careful management and full time supervision. However, some poskim argue that the production of canned tuna is not a kosher endeavor.
It is true that most Kosher canned fish carry a specific designation. This designation is the result of a careful process involving hand sorting of fish. During the process, foreign species are eliminated. In addition, the fillets are cooked in an oven with hot steam. Some companies, like the company that produces canned anchovies in Tangiers, apply to Star-K for certification.
A mashgiach t’midi is required by some kashrus agencies to inspect the process. These inspections are performed by a religious Jew with the skills to identify and verify a variety of species.
Mashgichim also check the scales of the fish. The Torah lists this as a halachic sign. Rambam holds that a positive commandment is to inspect fish for a kosher status. Other poskim disagree on this requirement. Nevertheless, the presence of a mashgiach t’midi should not be overlooked.
Another important thing to note about canned fish is that they are usually shipped shortly after the processing is completed. As a result, there may not be a full time mashgiach t’midi on site to certify the product.
Several poskim contend that the best way to determine whether a fish is kosher is to purchase the fish from a reputable kashrus certifier. But many kashrus agencies do not require a full-time mashgiach to supervise the manufacturing of canned tuna.
A fish expert will need to know which species to look for. He or she will need to be able to identify the species, as well as be aware of the fact that some species lose their scales as they mature.
A few poskim are even willing to allow the presence of insects in the flesh of the fish. Scientists believe that the insects originated from the outside of the fish.
A mashgiach must be present in order to be able to check for a plethora of kosher accomplishments. This includes the ability to recognize the various species of fish, to know which is oleh al shulchan melachim, and to know which fish is the tidak.
Smoked fish
Smoked fish is a popular food. It can be found in various countries around the world. The most common types are salmon, trout, whitefish, and mackerel. However, there are many other varieties of smoked fish.
Before you can eat any kosher fish, you must know what it is and how it is cured. To be sure that the fish is kosher, you should ask the store where you buy it for a label that says it is kosher. You should also know whether the fish is boiled, smoked, or canned. If it is smoked, then it will have to be kosher.
Usually, smoked fish is made from high quality fresh fish. Normally, it is smoked using a hot or cold process. Although there are other methods of smoking, most smoked fish is soaked in brine or salt mixture before being smoked.
During the processing, the stomachs of the fish are removed. Occasionally, a mashgiach temidi will be required during the process. He or she will supervise the sensitive aspects of the production.
In the US, the most common types of smoked fish are salmon, mackerel, and trout. Other varieties include silver perch, black croaker, and silver perch.
Aside from salmon, trout, and mackerel, there are a number of other fish that are kosher. Salmon is commonly used in lox. This is a type of cold-smoked salmon, which is cured in a brine solution.
When purchasing a kosher fish, you must be present as a mashgiach k’Tmidi during the entire process. You should also bring a sharp knife and a cutting board.
Several Jewish delis sell smoked whitefish. These include Sable’s Kosher Salama, which can be layered with crisp lettuce for a gourmet sandwich. Some delis also sell hot-smoked trout.
Another problem with herring is its mono- and di-glycerides. There are also problems with bread crumbs, spices, and non-kosher wine vinegar.
The best way to avoid these problems is to buy a kosher fish. Also, be sure to buy whole fish. That way, you can check the flesh for scales and fins.
AquAdvantage salmon
In November 2015, AquAdvantage salmon was approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS). AquAdvantage salmon is made from a growth hormone gene found in Chinook salmon. This genetic material was then spliced into Atlantic salmon to create a new fish with the same characteristics as non-GE farm-raised salmon.
Genetically modified food is not always safe. The FDA conducted an environmental assessment of AquAdvantage salmon to assess potential risks. It determined that there would be no significant impact on the environment.
Some Jews have voiced concerns about the DNA of the ocean pout, a species of eel, found in GM salmon. However, the genes do not have much influence on the animal’s health.
While some Jewish rabbis have ruled that mixing different kosher organisms is permissible, others have said that splicing DNA from a non-kosher source is not permissible. There is also a kosher rule that does not allow animals to be fed entirely by non-kosher sources.
The FDA held a public meeting to hear public comments and analyzed the scientific evidence. They concluded that the approval of AquAdvantage Salmon would have no significant impact on the environment.
Producers are free to implement marketing strategies that would allow them to use the product. For instance, some farmers produce a product called KMP Premium Organic Salmon, which is hand-reared and certified by the RSPCA.
In Canada, the government has adopted a national voluntary labelling standard for genetically engineered foods. If AquAdvantage salmon is sold in Canada, the product will be labeled according to the standard.
In order to be sold in Canada, the genetically engineered salmon must meet all regulatory and safety requirements. Health Canada has found AquAdvantage salmon to be as nutritious and safe as conventional salmon.
AquaBounty Technologies, the company that developed AquAdvantage salmon, specified multiple physical and biological containment measures. These include tanks with metal screens and stand pipes to prevent the fish from escaping. Environmental and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers have inspected AquAdvantage Salmon facilities and have not found any violations to the New Substances Notification Regulations.