A Mashgiach (משגיח) is a trained kosher supervisor who ensures that food is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). The word mashgiach literally means “supervisor” or “overseer” in Hebrew.
🔍 What Does a Mashgiach Do?
A mashgiach is responsible for:
- Checking Ingredients
- Verifies that all food products and additives are kosher.
- Ensures meats are Glatt kosher, dairy is Cholov Yisroel (if required), etc.
- Monitoring Food Preparation
- Oversees cooking to prevent mixing of meat and dairy.
- Ensures utensils and equipment are kosher and not cross-contaminated.
- Lights ovens or stoves (bishul Yisrael) when required.
- Supervising Deliveries
- Inspects and approves deliveries to make sure only kosher goods are brought in.
- Seals or unseals containers with kosher tape if needed.
- Overseeing Staff
- Ensures that non-Jewish staff or untrained personnel are not doing prohibited tasks unsupervised.
- Informs and trains kitchen staff about kosher rules.
- Certifying the Facility
- Provides documentation and logs for the supervising kosher agency.
- Ensures standards are maintained daily, especially in large kitchens or institutional settings.