OU ("Circle-U")is an
ASCII representation of the
certification symbol used on food products, by The
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations. More specifically, it is the
symbol which indicates that the
Orthodox Union is the particular
Kashrut supervising authority which has certified this particular product. It is sometimes (probably incorrectly) written out as "
(U)".
OU is one of many certification symbols that can be seen on products;
(K) is another very common one (See:
Kosher Symbols). It is important to note that these symbols are not
interchangeable however. For example,
Jell-O brand
gelatin has the (K) certification, but is not certified by the Orthodox Union, and thus is not considered kosher for use in this
congregation.
Sometimes a "D" is found next to the symbol; this indicates that the item in question contains
dairy product; This, too, is an important
demarcation as, in most situations and beliefs, dairy and meat cannot be
consumed simultaneously, under Jewish
dietary law. Furthermore, this symbol combination can actually be quite useful to non-Jewish consumers as well, who have dairy
allergies or
ethical issues about consuming animal products, as it is clear indication of dairy content.
Works referenced:
"Is Jell-O Kosher?",
http://www.jcca.org/thisnewmonth/teacherjello.htm
"Kosher Supervision Organizations",
http://www.mazornet.com/jewishcl/Kosher/kosherorgs.htm