Scott (Shabsy) Merrill has won the global Mashgiach of the Year title, the first time a kashrut inspector from outside North America has taken the prize.
Mr Merrill has, for 18 years, worked for KLBD, the kashrut agency of the United Synagogue and London Beth Din. He was chosen ahead of nominees from the 1,427 kosher agencies worldwide.
As well as supervising events and KLBD restaurants, he trains and mentors new inspectors. He also researches the best method to clean each type of fruit and vegetable.
The award — administered by Brooklyn-based Kashrus Magazine —comes with a prize of $1,000.
