Chief Rabbi to take ‘personal interest’ in Liverpool’s kosher provision

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has travelled to Liverpool to discuss a way forward after the city’s main kosher food outlet was caught selling treyf last month.

Rabbi Mirvis and Dayan Menachem Gelley, head of the London Beth Din, met Jewish leaders in Liverpool last Thursday, including the Merseyside Jewish Representative Council and the Liverpool Kashrut Commission.

The city’s Jewish community was urged last month to discard all utensils used to cook meat and poultry bought at Roseman’s Delicatessen and all food bought under the LKC licence, with the exception of chicken with a Manchester Beth Din label and pre-packed sealed meat products from other suppliers.

New measures to ensure safe kosher-provision in the city have not yet been announced, but Jewish News understands that rabbi Mirvis is currently considering proposals.

A spokesperson for the Chief Rabbi said he “recognises that this is a tragedy of many layers and a great deal of time will need to pass before, hopefully, the dust will fully settle.

“He has made clear to the Jewish community in Liverpool that he is with them at this trying time. The provision of kosher food – which is kosher beyond question – is a priority and he will take a personal interest in ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to achieve that objective.”