Q. Are potato chips sensitive to the halachos of bishul akum?
A. Our Sages prohibited consuming certain foods cooked by Gentiles in order to limit socialization which might lead to intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews (Taz , Y. D. 113: 7, quoting Tosafos. Avoda Zara, 38a).This prohibition is known as bishul akum. Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 113: 1) rules that food which can be eaten raw or is not fit for a kings’ table, is not prohibited by bishul akum.
Poskim disagree whether potatoes are fit to be served on a kings’ table or not (Chochmas Odom 66: 4, see Shevet Ha’Levi 6: ,108. Aruch Hashulchan Y.D. 113:18, Yaskil Avdi Y.D. 7:6, Pischei Halacha p. 118: 8).
Regarding potato chips some Poskim maintain that since a fried potato is fit to be served at a kings’ table, potato chips also require bishul Yisroel even though potato chips themselves are not served on kings table. However, most Poskim are lenient. (See Igros Moshe Y.D. 4: 48:5, Emes L’Yaakov Y.D. 113: footnote 42, Shevet Ha’Levi 10: 124. Shulchan Ha’Levi pages 67-72, 341)
Kashrus Kurrents (Spring 2014) writes; The U.S. considers potato chips “junk” food. Obviously, in countries where potato chips reach a king’s state dinner, potato chips would also be subject to the laws of bishul akum.,, The Star-K asked the White House executive chef about the White House banquet policy regarding the use of canned products for state dinners. A specific question was, ‘What is the policy regarding canned cranberry sauce?’ We also asked whether potato chips are served at state dinners. The chef’s response was as follows, “We would serve whatever the guest wants. However, we never served potato chips, nor do we ever use canned goods…everything is prepared fresh!”
The weekly BaKehilla, affiliated with Belz chassidus, reports Maran Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv (zt”l) was asked if the category of ‘bishul akum’ applies to potato chips. Maran responded by rhetorically asking “Does President Obama eat [potato] chips?” (Yeshiva News July 17, 2009).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a position is to be lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
Important Numbers
