Bal Teshaktzu - Spoiled Milk

Q. Most people are disgusted by spoiled milk, but it does not bother me. Does the prohibition of bal teshaktzu apply to me?

A. The Pri Chadash (YD 84:3) and Chochmas Adam (68:5) write that no one may eat food that is repulsive to almost everyone, even if a random person here or there is not disgusted. However, if most people find something repulsive, but a small minority considers it acceptable, those who are not disgusted may eat the food, while those who are disgusted may not. Since sour milk is not universally viewed as disgusting, those who are not bothered, may drink the milk. However, the Pri Megadim (84:3) cites the Knesses Hagedola who disagrees with the above and maintains that we follow the majority. Accordingly, a person may not eat food that is revolting to most people, even if a minority is not repulsed. Igros Moshe (YD 1:31) seems to accept the more lenient position of the Pri Chadash.

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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.