2,423. The Minimum Volume to Incur Liability

Maachalos Assuros 14:1

The minimum volume to incur liability for eating any food prohibited by the Torah is that of a medium-sized olive. This same volume applies to the penalties of lashes, kareis (spiritual excision) and a Divinely-mandated death. It has already been explained that one who is liable for kareis or a Divine death because of forbidden foods should be lashed.

Maachalos Assuros 14:2

This volume, as with all other halachic measures, is a law transmitted to Moshe at Sinai. It is prohibited under Biblical law to eat even the smallest amount of anything forbidden but one is only lashed for eating the volume of an olive. If one eats any less than this, he is given stripes for acting rebelliously.