A kashruth organization seems nearer formation today than ever before, Arthur Simon, confidential investigator for the Department of Health, said in an address last night over WNYC. Mr. Simon is in charge of enforcement of kosher food laws and all other matters pertaining to kashruth in this city.
Reviewing the recent negotiations and discussions concerning the problem, and outlining the various proposals offered by rabbinical bodies, Mr. Simon declared:
RACKETEERING RIFE
“I would say that there are deplorable conditions existing in Jewish stores selling kosher products, especially in butcher shops and chicken markets. But to say that this condition exists in all places of business would be an exaggerated statement. There is racketeering in this business, as well as in other businesses, that robs the Jewish population of hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.”
“The object of the reform and improvements in this kashruth organization is to rid the City of New York of such racketeering,” he continued. “Toward accomplishing this end, we hope, very soon, to have all purveyors of kosher products under license.
“There are three points that we originally started to work out. The first was the transfer of the enforcement of the kosher food laws to one city department or the other. This has now been settled by placing such enforcement supervision in the hands of the Board of Health.
LICENSING OF DEALERS
“The second point was the licensing of dealers of kosher products. As I have just stated, we hope to accomplish this very shortly.
“The third and most important from the Jewish side, is the organization of a kashruth control board. We are now working on this matter and expect to have such an organization formed soon.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
