1) Food should not be thrown, if by doing so it may be ruined and be disgusting to eat.
Therefore, soft foods should never be thrown, and even hard foods should not be thrown into a disgusting place.
However, hard foods may be thrown into a clean place, if the food will be picked up afterwards. (Mishna Berura Siman 171:10 and 11)
It is for this reason that it is permissible to throw nuts [in their shells], wrapped candy and similar items at a Chasan and Kallah (bride and groom). Raisins and other soft items may not be thrown at them. (Mishna Berura Siman 171:21)
2) However, bread should never be thrown under any circumstances. (which is why when giving out the Challah for Hamotzi, care should be taken not to throw the Challah across the table, rather to place in front of each person at the table, unless following the minhag of the Chasam Sofer and Rav Chaim of Sanz who allowed throwing in this situation, as we discussed in the Halachos of May 8 2009) (Mishna Berura Siman 171:9.)
Important Numbers
