עברית
Halachot and Customs
Food That Accidentally Enters the Bathroom
Question
Is it permissible to eat food that accidentally entered the bathroom? Furthermore, if one entered the bathroom with chewing gum in the mouth, must it be discarded, or can one continue to chew it after leaving?
Answer
1. Ideally, one should be stringent not to bring any food into the bathroom, even if it is covered. However, if food did enter inadvertently, it is permitted to eat it afterward. For uncovered foods, such as fruit, that have entered the bathroom, it is proper to wash them with water three times. If this is not possible, they are permitted afterward. Moreover, as a measure of piety, it is better not to eat such foods (see Shu"t Yabia Omer, Part 4, Orach Chaim 5).
2. In regard to chewing gum, it is permitted to continue eating it after leaving the bathroom. Nonetheless, it is proper to wash the mouth three times afterward.
