Rockland Kashrus Oversight Committee

What is the Rockland Kashrus Oversight Committee?
‍The RKOC is an independent vaad that oversees local food establishments.  It is not an actual hechsher, but rather an oversight committee. The primary purpose of the vaad is to oversee that the standards and systems that have been set in place by the hechsherim are workable and sustainable to ensure the kashrus of each store.
 
‍Why was the RKOC created?
‍Our Rabbonim are often asked about the kashrus status of various stores and food establishments.  As our community has B”H experienced explosive growth, it is very difficult to know the details and standards of the multitude of hechsherim and stores. The Rabbonim therefore formed the RKOC to unify and oversee the many local hechsherim – with a uniform set of standards.
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‍Who is behind the RKOC?  
‍The RKOC is run by a Vaad of three Rabbonim and is backed by more than 50 local Rabbonim (please see the Endorsing Rabbonim tab).  

‍What are the RKOC’s standards?
‍Our oversight focuses on, but is not limited to:
• Ensuring that all foods are Bishul Yisroel and Pas Yisroel – and monitoring all cooking and baking logs.
• Validating pilot lights and the overriding of the oven shut-off when necessary.
• Ensuring that there is a constant presence of a yid in the cooking/baking areas.
• Ensuring that challah is taken timely and properly – and monitoring all challah logs.
• Ensuring that there are systems in place to avoid בשר שנתעלם מן העין (meat left unseen by a yid).
• Establishing protocols for leaving eggs, onions, and garlic overnight.
• Ensuring that systems have been implemented for proper bedikas tolaim. (Note: The RKOC does not assume responsibility for the actual checking, rather we ensure that proper systems are in place for checking.)
• Ensuring that there are clear separations in the kitchen between milk and meat, fish and meat, pareve and milk/meat products. We require clear and visible labels to ensure that none of the foods or utensils can get mixed up. 

Why can’t I just rely on the hechsher that certifies the store?
‍Firstly, the unfortunate reality is that not all mashgichim are created equal, some are better trained than others, and nobody is perfect. Secondly, different hechsherim have different standards, some higher and some lower.  The RKOC is here to reinforce the supervision, to ensure that the standards the community expects are met, and to add an additional level of accountability.

‍What lapses in kashrus have you found?
‍Unfortunately, we have seen lapses in all of our eight standards (listed above). It is for this very reason that the RKOC was created and has been so well received by the Rabbonim, the hechsherim, the stores, and the community.  The RKOC is helping ensure that the food we eat and serve our families adhere – at a minimum – to the fundamental standards of kashrus.

‍How much does it cost the stores?
‍Nothing. The RKOC is graciously sponsored by local/caring community members, so there is no cost to the stores.

‍Is the RKOC the same thing as Mevakshei Kashrus?
‍No – they are complementary to each other.  Mevakshei Kashrus’s goal is to get a few stores to adhere to the highest levels of chumros. While the RKOC’s goal is to get all the stores to adhere to the fundamental standards of kashrus.

‍Can I eat from a store that is not on the list?
It’s not our place to tell you where – or where not – to eat. You may, however, want to question why they are not on the list (considering that most of the other stores already are).
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‍How can I help the RKOC?
If you know of a food establishment that is not yet on the RKOC list – please ask them, "Why aren't you on the RKOC list?" and encourage them to get approved by the RKOC. (It's a free service!)