Hotline handles halachic abuses

"The response has been tremendous," said Rafi Yochai, an official for the rabbinate.

Restaurants found to be posting a fraudulent or outdated kosher license or who serve non-kosher food despite displaying the rabbinate's seal of approval face the risk of paying fines that range between $285 and $570.

Most restaurants in Israel want a kosher license so as to attract the business of observant Jews.