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Is Imitation crab kosher?

No — Imitation crab is not kosher under Jewish dietary law.

Kashrut depends on the source fish and the processing plant. Imitation crab is typically made from pollock or other whitefish, which is itself kosher, but the finished product requires reliable kosher certification because of additives, flavorings, and shared equipment. Without a hechsher, treat as not kosher.

Imitation crab (Surimi)

Image: Photo by Sjschen ( Sjschen ) · licensed CC BY 2.5 · source

Scientific name
Surimi
Also known as
Surimi, Krab, Krab meat, Kamaboko
Category
processed
Fins & scales
No fins ✗ , no scales ✗
Kosher status
Not kosher

About Imitation crab

A paste of minced whitefish shaped and flavored to resemble crab meat. Commonly found in sushi rolls.

Kosher ruling

Kashrut depends on the source fish and the processing plant. Imitation crab is typically made from pollock or other whitefish, which is itself kosher, but the finished product requires reliable kosher certification because of additives, flavorings, and shared equipment. Without a hechsher, treat as not kosher.

Source: Orthodox Union

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