Kosher describes a set of laws which needs to be followed in order for those who follow the Jewish religion must adhere to before consuming a food product. In years prior, one who wished to make food products according to kosher law prepared the food in his home from the local produce or farm and in general the process was localized. 

With the advent of modernization and the influx of commercial produced products it began necessary for factories to obtain kosher certification as a method to ensure those who keep the Kosher dietary laws are assured that the laws are kept through the certification of the plant by the Kosher agency. 

There are over 1400 Kosher agencies around the world certifying thousands of factories which are producing kosher products. Each Kosher symbol is unique to a specific Kosher agency.