A serious kashrus concern has emerged in Houston, and travelers — particularly those attending conventions, conferences, or receiving airline-style meals — are urged to exercise extreme caution. A restaurant previously known as Genesis Steakhouse and now as Exodus Bar & Grill, is reportedly distributing food with misleading “kosher” labeling, despite no longer being under any kosher certification and now operating as a fully non-kosher establishment.

The restaurant in question was previously certified by the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA), but the certification was terminated following kashrus violations, according to individuals familiar with the matter. Since then, Genesis/Exodus has reportedly shifted to serving clearly non-kosher fare, including cheeseburgers and non-kosher species of meat.

Despite this, YWN sources indicate the restaurant has maintained long-standing contracts with medical conventions, hotels, and airline-style catering services. To preserve these business arrangements, the restaurant has allegedly begun using custom-printed “glatt kosher” tape on its packaging — without the name of the restaurant or any kashrus agency — creating the impression that the meals are kosher, when in fact they are not.

The result: Frum attendees at a recent medical conference unknowingly consumed food prepared in a non-kosher kitchen under the assumption it was kosher, due to the deceptive labeling.

Multiple rabbinic authorities and kashrus professionals familiar with the situation have verified that these meals are not kosher and should not be consumed by anyone who observes halacha.

Travelers, conference participants, and anyone receiving catered meals in the Houston area are strongly advised to: 1. Check all meals for a visible and recognizable kosher certification logo 2. Avoid consuming food sealed only with generic “glatt kosher” tape that lacks agency identification 3. Consult a reliable rabbinic authority before eating pre-packaged meals from unfamiliar sources

It is also worth noting that under Texas state law, presenting non-kosher food as kosher constitutes a Deceptive Trade Practice, punishable under the Texas Business and Commerce Code (§17.46). Misrepresenting a product as kosher — even by implication or appearance — is illegal.

This alert is issued for informational and public safety purposes only. It is intended solely to help kosher-observant individuals avoid serious halachic pitfalls while traveling in or through Houston.

If you or someone you know is attending an event or traveling through Houston, please share this information. And whenever in doubt, don’t rely on packaging alone — always verify with a trusted kashrus authority.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)