Kosher Caterer Accused of Preparing Non-Kosher Food in Kosher Kitchens

On Wednesday, the owner of one of the largest kosher catering companies in New York held a press conference, in order to defend himself from allegations of wrongdoing.

According to The Associated Press, two former employees, Chef Michael Savitsky and General Manager Tom Cataldo of Morrell Caterers are accusing the company’s owner of violating Jewish law by preparing kosher and non-kosher food in the same kitchen.

Cataldo and Savitsky allege that company owner Scott Morrell directed them to prepare non-kosher foods, including coconut shrimp, pork and lobster in one of the company’s kosher kitchens. They also say they were given the same plates and utensils to prepare both kosher and non-kosher foods. Not only that, they allege, but the same delivery truck that the company used to deliver kosher foods was also used to deliver non-kosher goods.

According to Savitsky and Cataldo, Morrell Caterers may have delivered this non-kosher food to 200 events, including weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.

While Savitsky and Cataldo allege that Morrell began the practice of preparing kosher and non-kosher foods because of concerns about his budget, Morrell’s lawyers allege that it is Savitsky and Cataldo who are concerned with money. They say that Savitsky and Cataldo are attempting to sue Morrell for $19 million in another, unrelated suit, and that they are trying to use these new allegations to hurt his case.
Morrell maintains that he has not broken any rules. His lawyers point out that Savitsky and Cataldo did not report the alleged violation very quickly.

One lawyer, Ronald Rosenberg, stated that he wondered why Savitsky and Cataldo were only finding God now. He wondered why they had been silent for so long about being asked to perform such immoral duties.

Part of the answer has to do with money. According to The AP, Savitsky and Cataldo each own 5% of Morrell Catering, which made them “reluctant to report their allegations of transgressions.”  But according to The New York Times, Savinksky claims his reluctance was more ethical. “We had families.” he said. Nevertheless, says Savinsky, he conscience kicked in.

Yet Morrell maintains his innocence, and accuses Savitsky of launching a calculated and deliberate attempt to ruin his business. He was bold enough to offer members of the media samples of kosher food, but, says the AP, no one accepted the offer.