KF Kosher proudly certifies Pro Gases UK’s CO₂ as Kosher Parev
Ever wondered what gives your favourite soft drinks that satisfying sparkle? While we enjoy the refreshing fizz of carbonated beverages, few of us stop to consider where the carbon dioxide (CO₂) actually comes from.
At KF Kosher, we are at the cutting edge of Kashrus supervision, closely monitoring new developments across the food and beverage industry. Traditionally, the CO₂ used in drinks was sourced from relatively straightforward chemical processes. But the landscape is changing, and Pro Gases UK as a leading family run gas supplier, is leading the way.
In recent years, the energy sector has pioneered large-scale anaerobic digestion plants, where agricultural waste is processed in enormous reactors to generate methane — a shining example of sustainable, green energy. One such site is Pretoria Energy’s facility in Chittering. Located in Cambridgeshire, this site was originally a vegetable distributor but it has morphed into an energy giant in recent years. Alongside methane gas, these systems capture substantial volumes of high-purity CO₂ — once seen as a by-product, now recognised as a valuable asset. They have partnered with Pro Gases UK to deliver to the market 100% renewable and sustainable food grade CO2, that is reliable in supply, vegan and kosher friendly, and supports their customers sustainability goals, by reducing their carbon footprint.
This CO₂ is increasingly finding its way into soft drinks and greenhouse agriculture — but not all sources are equal when it comes to kosher standards.
Here’s why it matters: CO₂ can be produced from a wide range of feedstocks — including non-Kosher materials such as slaughterhouse waste or decomposing household rubbish. Understandably, beverage manufacturers are highly selective about their CO₂ sources, and many rely on kosher certification to provide assurance and transparency to consumers and industry partners alike.
KF Kosher has now certified the CO₂ supplied by Pro Gases UK (sourced from Pretoria Energy) as Kosher Parev, following rigorous inspection and review.
As we approach Pesach, it’s worth noting a halachic nuance: although the feedstock used includes wheat straw — which is not chametz in itself — there remains a possibility of residual grain or chaff being present.
Out of an abundance of caution, this CO₂ will not be certified for use in Passover products.
We welcome Pro Gases UK to the KF Kosher family and wish them continued success. With their CO₂ now bearing our trusted Kosher certification, they are ideally positioned to expand across the food and beverage sectors — offering a clean, ethical, and reliably kosher solution to manufacturers throughout the UK and beyond.