The popular Tel Aviv gelato shop, Anita Gelato, opened to eager New Yorkers just last year. While the frozen dessert is kosher certified, the kashrut agency in charge has wished to clarify the nature of the certification.
Anita is kosher certified by National Kosher Supervision, under Rabbi Mehlman of Congregation Ohav Shalom. However, the hechsher does not certify the STORE, rather it certifies that the ice cream, gelato and cones come from Israel and are certified by the Rabbanut of Raanana. Fresh berries are not reliably kosher and fresh pastries are not kosher either.
While the store has operated with a Shtar Mechira for Shabbos, the staff has shifted to be largely Israeli, causing Shabbos issues. Moreover, the products changed from mostly American sourced to Israeli sourced, and Rabbi Mehlman felt obligated to maintain full transparency that the products are kosher under the Rabbanut of Raanana. Always ask your LOR to determine what is best for you.
Click here to see the full kashrut certificate and details
