When was kosher certification created? Another way of saying this question was when did the Rabbis say that it was appropriate to have a governing body (such as the OU, Star-K etc...) which oversees and certifies products and establishments as kosher?
In addition to this, what did people do prior to having a governing body? Did they eat products where the ingredients didn't specify anything that wasn't Kosher? Did people eat at all types restaurants? (this probably has bishul akum problems associated I assume)
Were any Rabbis opposed to creating a body which governed Kashrus?
