Kosher experts convened last week to discuss an issue they have with a much-loved Israeli baked good.

By Sandy Eller, VIN News

A group of Israeli rabbis met this past week to decide on creating an industry standard for an item that might not seem like a likely candidate for governmental regulation: bourekas.

Radio Kol Chai (http://bit.ly/VFy7Jj) reports that members of the Rabbanut Harashit convened to discuss the much-loved baked goods whose fillings, which cannot be readily determined from outward appearance, can contain meat, dairy or pareve centers.

In a meeting with members of the baking industry, Rabbi Chagi Bar Guriya of the Rabbanut Harashit, demonstrated how despite their different shapes, it almost impossible to determine the filling of any closed pastry including bourekas, cigars and croissants, which has in the past created problems for both kosher consumers and those with food allergies.

Saying that the health concerns for those with food allergies is an even greater problem than the potential kashrus issues, Rabbi Bar Guriya suggested that perhaps a new industry standard be adopted, with all pareve bourekas being completely closed, while those with dairy fillings be left partially opened so that their filling is visible, or using different shapes to designate the type of pastry filling.

Members of the baking industry who were present at the meeting countered that not all the suggestions made would be possible to implement and further requested that any decisions made should be enforced throughout the entire country.

The Rabbanut Harashit is expected to decide on an official policy shortly.