עברית
Halachot and Customs
Which Foods Are Permitted Abroad Without Kosher Certification?
Question
Is it permissible to eat any pareve food abroad since it does not require kosher certification? What other foods might be possible to eat?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
1. Even pareve foods can have various kosher issues, such as issues related to cooking by non-Jews, etc.
2. Below is a partial list of foods allowed abroad without kosher certification:
Fresh fruits and vegetables abroad (since there is no obligation for tithes and terumot abroad, as explained in Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, paragraph 331, section 1, and see further in the responsa Yabi'a Omer, part 10, part Yoreh De'ah, paragraph 46, and in the responsa Beit Na'aman, part 1, Yoreh De'ah, paragraphs 9-11. Furthermore, one need not worry that these fruits may have the prohibition of orlah, as according to Jewish law, the status of orlah is permitted outside of Israel, as explained in Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, paragraph 389, section 9).
Regular table salt and coarse salt for cooking.
White sugar and brown sugar.
Rice in all its forms.
Couscous in its natural state without added flavors or other ingredients.
Pasta of all kinds, provided that no other ingredients like eggs are mixed in.
Mineral water without flavors.
Soda without flavors.
Black coffee, as well as regular tea and herbal tea without flavor additives.
Vegetable oil labeled 100%.
Chicken eggs. However, one should ensure they are indeed from chickens since sometimes, abroad, eggs from non-kosher birds are marketed.
Ketchup, since the vinegar in it is usually synthetic. The same applies to 100% plant-based tomato paste.
Mustard without wine added.
100% pure natural honey.
It is also advisable to know the common kosher symbols that appear on products abroad:
OU - the largest kosher certification body in the United States and worldwide.
OK - the second largest certification in the United States.
KM - the certification from the Montreal Board of Rabbis in Canada.
KF - the certification from the Charedi community in London.
BDL - the certification from the London rabbinate.
BD - the certification from the Beth Din of Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa.
Sources: See extensively in the book "Kosher for Practical Use" (pages 629-640).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
