Canadian residents of certain religions eat only food that has passed a particular certification process to declare it suitable for consumption by those following a kosher diet. A food manufacturer in Ontario may be exploring his criminal defence options after five charges were laid against it, alleging the forgery. This followed the discovery that the company supplied non-kosher cheese that had falsified labels showing it to be certified as kosher.
Reportedly, the criminal charges were filed after a manager at the kitchen of one of the two Jewish summer camps served by the food supplier noticed irregularities in the paperwork and labels attached to an order of cheddar cheese. According to court documents, when the kitchen manager became suspicious, he sent the manager a copy of the certificate by e-mail. Further investigation then showed an altered code on the certificate.
The plaintiffs claim the defendant manipulated the document to show that the cheese was certified kosher when, in fact, it was not. The company says the plaintiff had lost its approved supplier status after similar infractions in 2012. However, because the defendant remained an approved provider of other certified kosher products, it was in a position to allegedly take advantage of supplying cheese with forged documentation.
The most logical step for any business owner to take when he or she faces criminal charges would likely be to consult with an experienced Ontario criminal defence lawyer. A lawyer with an understanding of the care and technique required in the evaluation of evidence and the navigation of the defence might be the most appropriate person to have on his or her side. With a skilled lawyer to provide advocacy and protection of rights, the best possible outcome under the circumstances might be achieved.
Source: CBC News Toronto, "CFIA charges company for allegedly selling non-kosher cheese as kosher", Michelle McQuigge, May 9, 2017
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