The display of the label has undergone strict changes due to government regulations. Not only must the label specify the type of shortening, i.e. vegetable or animal, but it must declare the actual source as well. Thus, it is commonplace to mention cottonseed oil, lard, coconut oil, and the like. The result of this explicit label display is that the consumer can easily detect what is blatantly non-Kosher.
Emulsifiers are complex substances that are used in all types of food production.
They can perform a number of critical functions, among them allowing two ingredients to mix together which ordinarily could not. These materials are listed on the ingredient label as polysorbates, mono and diglycerides, sorbitanonostearate, etc. These products are produced from both animal and vegetable sources and thus require careful supervision and controls. The special qualities of these products, acting as surfactants, making oil and water soluble, enable them to be invaluable basic components in many food items, such as margarine, shortenings, cream fillings and toppings, coffee creamers, whiteners, prepared cake mixes, donuts, and puddings. Many chocolates and candies contain such glyceride emulsifier.