While Uber Eats, DoorDash, and all other food delivery services are certainly convenient and timesaving, they present a number of challenges for the kosher consumer. Of course, kashrus certifiers such as the MK assume responsibility for all kashrus-related matters, from the raw materials to the delicious and ready-to-eat final product. However, once the food reaches the hands of the third-party delivery service, it becomes the consumer’s job to ensure it is received in a halachically appropriate manner.
Below are some points for the kosher consumer to keep in mind.
Don’t simply rely on the third-party delivery app for the kosher selection list. Believe it or not, nonkosher restaurants often appear on kosher searches. Always verify the authenticity of the kashrus status with the establishment and its kashrus certifier directly, especially when away from home. Remember, reliable kashrus certifiers will often have all certified establishments listed directly on their website. For the MK’s complete establishment list see mk.ca/montreal/.
Food delivered by a third party must be sealed prior to delivery in a halachically approved manner. The purpose of the seal is to determine whether the food has been tampered with. The seal must secure all access points to the food in such a way that would make it impossible to open the package without tearing the seal. The seal must indicate that the food was delivered from a Kosher source. A seal that can be unnoticeably removed and replaced does not qualify. Meat, chicken, fish and wine require a double seal, but one seal is enough for all other foods. In the event that the seal has been noticeably tampered with, a halachic authority should be notified.
The food service industry is known to be a fast-paced, high-pressured environment. The establishment may at times unintentionally forget to seal the food or seal it in an non-approved way. Always make sure upon delivery that the order was appropriately sealed.
Airplane meals present an extra challenge. Aside from the double seal, the trays are reheated on the plane in a nonkosher oven. All trays must be double wrapped in a halachically approved manner. The MK assumes complete responsibility for this. However, if you notice that a sealed tray has been tampered with or the double wrapping has been ripped or removed, do request a new meal, and make sure to notify the MK.
According to MK policy, all foods delivered for MK establishments need to be sealed. Meat, chicken, and fish must be double sealed. Consumers who received inadequate or unsealed delivery orders should contact the MK so the necessary action can be taken.
