May I Purchase a Kosher Fish from a non-Kosher Fish Store?

Assuming you confirmed the fish was kosher (by seeing a scale removed or by recognition of the species of fish), the remaining concern would be the knives, board and gloves with which it is handled. Assuming they are all washed properly, it is permitted to purchase the fish. If the fish was cut with a dirty, non-kosher knife, one would need to wash it and pass the sharp side of a knife over it (maavir alav chudo shel sakin) in order to remove the non-kosher residue. (see Pischei Teshuva 96:5, b’shem Teshuvos Chavos Yair 179)

For those interested in a more in-depth look at the halachos of fish please contact grossmany@ou.org to inquire about the OU’s Fish Industry Manual.

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.