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.

Magazine editor Rabbi Yosef Wikler said: “A mashgiach is a combination of administrator, arbitrator, educator and communicator. These four traits describe Shabsy Merrill to a T. No wonder the London Beth Din relies upon him in so many areas. He truly deserves the title.”

KLBD director Rabbi Jeremy Conway paid tribute to Mr Merrill as “an outstanding and dedicated mashgiach who goes above and beyond [the call of duty] every day to ensure everyone can enjoy a delicious kosher meal. We wish Scott a hearty mazeltov on his tremendous achievement.”