NEW YORK – Days before Purim, the Israeli-owned Nuts Factory chain lost its kosher certification across all New York and New Jersey locations. National Kosher Supervision (NKS), led by Rabbi Aaron Mehlman, cited repeated violations involving non-kosher shipments.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
“The kosher certification has been immediately revoked for all stores,” NKS announced, warning customers not to rely on existing kosher signage. Rabbi Mehlman insisted on strict oversight, stating, “I require a dedicated supervisor in every kosher-certified store.”
The chain, known for its Israeli-market-style stores, has been a favorite in the kosher community. The revocation sparked backlash, with social media urging a boycott and kosher groups warning against purchasing for Purim.
Nuts Factory denied the allegations, stating, “We are transitioning to a new kosher certification and will announce it soon.” Rabbi Mehlman left the door open for future supervision but said any reinstatement would require a formal announcement.
The controversy threatens the brand’s trust and reputation, leaving its loyal customer base awaiting further developments.
This is nuts!
Shame on anybody who takes on certification of an establishment who lost its certification as a result of breach of its certified kashrus standard requirement. If we, the consumer, relied on this rabbi’s certification and he revoked it because of kashrus breaches, it hardly bodes well for their reputation. I’m done! I ca never again buy their products. Remember the Moish Finkel saga in Monsey? I do.
I notice there always people who will question the motives of a rav hamachshir when he removes his hechsher from a product so they can continue to use the product.
I wonder if they feel the same way when they read about a fundamental flaw in a car or any electronic device which they wan to buy. I am sure they will give the article credence We eat products sanctioned by rabbis we don’t even know and overnight their integrity is questioned. Shame.
There could be an issue with produce from Eretz Yisrael with fruits and nuts. These are serious issues.
I encourage people to only use hechsherim endorsed by the CRC of Chicago.
The entire story doesn’t make sense. What rav hamachshir will announce that his own hashgacha let treif slip by, “repeated violations involving non-kosher shipments” and then not issue any apology to the public? It’s more likely nothing was Treif. And that VIN is not reporting accurately. Another website says “There has been no indication from NKS or Rabbi Mehlman regarding whether the certification might be reinstated. “” As of now, NKS has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons for revoking the kosher certification.” which seems to imply that whatever happened, it was not that bad. And they did NOT repeatedly sell Treif as kosher. VIN readers are better off asking Rabbbi Mehlman directly, than to rely on third hand “news” reporting.
Hey VIN. Go easy on the exaggerations. Hechsher was suspended not “revoked”. VIN further says “…The controversy threatens the brand’s trust and reputation, leaving its loyal customer base awaiting further developments.” No need to blow this into a “controversy”. And switching from one hechsher to another is not at all a matter that “threatens the brand’s trust and reputation”. If there is a “further development” awaited by “loyal customer base”, it’s an explanation from the previous rabbi what exactly was the supposed problem and why the hechsher was temporarily suspended.
The rav hamachshir said he was misquoted. And that he did NOT release ANY statement to VIN, nor to Ynet.
They also sell chocolate products which are more sensitive to kashrus issues.
“Rabbi Aaron Mehlman, cited repeated violations involving non-kosher shipments. .. ” Non Kosher??? That’s a VERY serious allegation. And what exactly was Treif about the nuts? Without details this is not even an allegation.
I never heard of this hechsher in my life. What is it? Where are they based?
Agency took strike at nuts
They sell a lot more than just nuts, and have over 18 locations al over NJ and NY. Is it all made in one place and sold all over, or does each location make / process their own? Too much info missing from here.
HOT OFF THE PRESS: They are currently under a new kosher supervision with Cup K.
Ask your own LOR if you can eat it.
In the article, rabbi Mehlman is quoted as saying he requires a dedicated Mashgiach at each location. Nothing personal against the Rabbi, but he gives Hashgacha on several Dunkin Donuts locations in Brooklyn which don’t have mashgichim wondering around them all day. The entire operation in these stores is completely done by non jews. Something doesn’t add up here.
To those who claim that when one hashagacha takes off their certification another one shouldn’t take it’s place. Note that the majority of the time it has more to do with business then Halacha. Proof as that you never say the Posek of the Hashgacha quoting what Halachas were violated. They just state that for various reasons they are no longer certifying a product. If there are actual Halachik problems, why not quote what was violated? As to the potential response that there’s a lenient option available, that doesn’t holds up. Because part of the agreement between Hashgacha and company is to follow the opinion of the HAshagacha company.
Look, anybody would reel from a hard hit to his nuts, especially when parnasa is affected. But the other readers say they’ve clarified that this entire event never transpired.
Y’know the song that goes on and on and never ends? This is the story version.
From website of London Bes Din Kashrus: Date Uploaded:
Monday 18th July 2016
” Generally, all plain nuts are approved and do not require certification. We would not expect a problem with plain roasted nuts provided there are no added ingredients other than vegetable oil and salt. “
Deez nuts are the official nuts of some bronze age sky lord
Who is this aron mehlman ?
This is what happens when Kosher certification becomes big business.
10% Kashrus 90% Politics
The testimony of one person is accepted to say food is kosher sourced. But to accuse a Jew of being a Rasha who serves Treif to the public, you need two witnesses and the investigation/determination of a Bes Din. Avoid buying if you have realistic doubts about the kashrus, but to accuse anyone personally you better have a reliable “hechsher” of your one for what you say.
Must have been late with their payments to the mashgiach. The. $K does not fool around.