24. We no longer use Lashon HaKodesh script as a seal, nor do we use plaster or nails as a seal, as was once customary. Kashrus organizations today primarily use other methods to ensure items are not swapped. Meat products are packaged with plastic or the like and also bear a kashrus symbol, in accordance with the requirement of two seals. We will go through some examples.
25. “Plomba.” Today, a seal referred to as a “plomba” is generally used. It is a piece of plastic or metal with the hechsher’s symbol stamped on it attached to a piece of meat attesting to its kashrus. It is not possible to take off and reused. [In Eretz Yisroel, it is not attached to the meat itself anymore due to a choking incident, ל"ע .]
26. Metal or plastic closure. A closure made up of a cord inserted into another piece with lettering on it is commonly used. It cannot be removed without tearing the cord.
27. Long sticker. Some use a long sticker wrapped around a chicken’s leg with the two ends stuck together, such that it is difficult to remove without tearing. [However, if it is not stuck together well the first time, it can sometimes be removed without tearing, so practically it is not such a good seal.]
28. Hologram. A hologram is a 3D sticker. It is unique in that it cannot be completely removed without ruining the stamp’s image. Sometimes product details are also hidden on it, like an ID card. This is the method used by most high-level kashrus organizations today.
29. “Kashrus passport.” Some kashrus organizations [e.g., the London Kedassia and the Eidah Chareidis] have begun using a system in which one can scan a sticker on a meat product to identify it and track all the information about it, its source, when it was shechted, the route it was transported, etc. This creates a sort of personal passport for every piece of meat, completely removing the possibility of forging a product’s kashrus symbol.
