Civic Chamber member wants to introduce ‘Russian Orthodox seal’ for foods, analogous to halal and kosher foods

Vladimir Slepak, the chairman of the Russia Civic Chamber's commission on social policy, labor relations, and quality of life, has proposed introducing a voluntary seal of "Russian Orthodox Standard," analogous to halal and kosher foods in Islam and Judaism.

The "Russian Orthodox" seal would be granted to producers who voluntarily submit to a special examination designed to guarantee that they observe the basic Russian Orthodox principles of food preparation, using high-quality and environmentally friendly ingredients. Slepak says he's also sent a letter to Patriarch Kirill, outlining his proposal.

According to Slepak's plan, the seals would "not only confirm the high quality and safety of the product, but also attest to its positive influence on people's spiritual and physical health." Goods carrying the Orthodox Standard would also be promoted at exhibitions, Slepak proposes.

• Speaking to the radio station Govorit Moskva, Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vsevolod Chaplin noted that the Church observes a division between lenten and non-lenten foods, and monastery products and commercial goods. Chaplin says he considers it a "strange" idea to allow commercial companies to use Orthodox labeling on its products.