Bishul Akum - Inapplicable Foods

Q. The Talmud states that bishul Akum only applies to foods that are “oleh al shulchan melachim” (literally, served at a kings table). What are some examples of foods that are not oleh?

A. It is evident from the Rambam that food that is “served at a kings table” is only one example of foods that are prohibited. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma’achalos Assuros 17:16) writes that bishul Akum does not apply to toasted grain because a person would not invite guests and serve toasted grain. Clearly, the main criteria for bishul Akum is that the food is fancy and would not be served at an eloquent affair.

Rav Belsky zt”l explained that today’s breakfast cereals would have the same status as toasted grains. One would not serve Cornflakes or Cocoa Puffs at a fancy dinner. Although one might serve a distinguished guest cereal for breakfast, this does not mean that it is “oleh al shulchan melachim.” The criterion is not what a distinguished person would eat—very distinguished people also eat simple foods. The criterion is what one would serve to show them honor. Likewise, Rav Belsky said that snack foods such as popcorn or corn chips are not oleh al shulchan melachim. Furthermore, granola bars and energy bars are not oleh al shulchan melachim. Even though these foods may be very tasty and healthy, they are not foods that would be served at a formal dinner.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.