CHICAGO, May 27 (UPI) -- Statistics from a consumer survey show that more Americans are buying kosher foods as a precaution against contamination.
The report released this year by the Chicago consumer research firm Mintel found that sales of kosher foods have risen 15 percent in the last decade.
"There have been so many meat recalls, food recalls, that people are worried about the integrity of the food supply," Mintel analyst Marcia Mogelonsky told the Chicago Tribune. "As far as consumers are concerned, kosher meats have that extra level of cleanliness and care."
The newspaper said Tuesday that much of that confidence comes from the strict rules on kosher food processing and unannounced inspections by rabbis that come at a far higher rate than government inspections at non-kosher food plants.
Kosher foods also have detailed labeling requirements that are relied upon by vegetarians, people with food allergies and Muslims, the Tribune said.
