Are You Really Eating Kosher?
Kosher Fraud: Florida Caterer Busted in Kashrut Scam— The Chef's Shameful Lie Exposed
Florida catering company exposed for falsely claiming ORB kosher certification and serving non-kosher food at Jewish events. Kashrut authority plans legal action against fraudulent caterer.
A major kashrut controversy has erupted in the South Florida area after a large event, marketed and presented as serving kosher food, was allegedly discovered to have served entirely non-kosher items. The incident has prompted a swift and stern warning from a leading kashrut authority regarding the verification of kosher status at public functions.
The controversy centers on an event organized by a planner who contracted HaShuk Catering, a Moroccan-style cuisine company. The company’s chef and owner, Rachid Zitani (who is non-Jewish), allegedly advertised his business, including its website, as being fully kosher and under the supervision of the Florida-based ORB kashrut authority.
Verbal Claims Contradicted
During the event, which was attended by numerous Jewish participants, Zitani reportedly assured guests that the food carried the ORB certification. However, alarm bells were raised when observant attendees inquired about the supervising mashgiach (kosher supervisor). The chef allegedly responded that the mashgiach had "just stepped away for a short while."
Following the shocking discovery that the food was not kosher, the incident has highlighted the severe risks of relying solely on verbal assurances.
ORB Issues Urgent Kashrut Alert and Plans Legal Action
The ORB kashrut authority responded immediately to the incident by issuing a community-wide Kashrut Alert.
The organization stressed that the community must exercise greater vigilance, urging:
“Do not rely solely on verbal claims from event organizers about kosher status. They stressed that one must always request and verify a valid kosher certificate and confirm that a mashgiach is physically present at the event.”
Furthermore, the kashrut organization is now preparing to take legal action against HaShuk Catering and its owner for the alleged fraudulent use and misrepresentation of its kosher certification, an act that constitutes a severe breach of trust and consumer fraud within the observant community.
The incident serves as a significant cautionary tale, demonstrating the imperative need for independent verification of kashrut certifications, especially in events sourced by third-party organizers.