What Does “OU Glatt” Mean?

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Q. Kosher meat products regularly bear the OU symbol with the word “Glatt.” What does this mean, and would the product still be kosher if it isn’t Glatt?

A. The Talmud (Chullin 42a) delineates a number of physical defects that an animal may have which would render it treif. The most common of these is a punctured lung. Additionally, lungs often have adhesions which could indicate that there is a rupture in the lung, or it could lead to the development of one. Because of the prevalence of this defect, the Talmud mandates that every lung be checked for abnormalities (Rashba Chullin 9a). There are many types of adhesions, and each must be tested and evaluated before the animal can be declared kosher. The type of tests to be carried out are a subject of debate between the Shulchan Aruch and the Rama (Y.D. 39:13). While the Rama does record some customary leniencies that the Shulchan Aruch disapproves of, Rama himself expresses some hesitation in the prevailing custom to be lenient.

Meat of an animal which is found not to have adhesions which require these questionable assessments is called “Glatt” – Yiddish for smooth, an indication to the condition of the lung. Others, which have been subjected to these assessments, are called “Kosher”.

Because of Rama’s hesitation, and in order to satisfy glatt kosher consumers, the OU only certifies Glatt Kosher meat.

This column comes from OU Kosher’s Halacha Yomis dedicated in memory of Rav Chaim Yisroel ben Reb Dov HaLevy Belsky, zt’l, Senior OU Kosher Halachic Consultant (1987-2016). Subscribers can also ask their own questions on Kashrus issues and send them to [email protected]. These questions and their answers may be selected to become one of the Q and A’s on OU Kosher Halacha Yomis.


7 COMMENTS

  1. Shame to write out the fact that peole with litvishers with litvish minhagim hold by non glatt meat! Its nothing but maligning all the heilaga yidden who didnt eat glatt! Did the Vilna Gaon eat glatt? Did Rav Chaim Volazhin? Did the Netziv? What about the Chofetz Chaim?
    Revisionism!!!! Way to leave out a massive part of the disagreement!

    • (Apparently didnt check over for mistakes so well. corrected.)
      Shame how you write out the fact that litvishers with litvish minhagim hold by non glatt meat! (Its a litvish minhag!) Nothing but maligning all the heilaga yidden who didnt eat glatt! Did the Vilna Gaon eat glatt? Did Rav Chaim Volazhin? Did the Netziv? What about the Chofetz Chaim?
      Revisionism!!!! Way to leave out a massive part of the disagreement!

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