Compiled by Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits who can be reached at [email protected]

Reviewed by Rabbi Ben-zion Schiffenbauer Shlita

All Piskei Harav Yisrael Belsky Shlita are Reviewed by Harav Yisrael Belsky Shlita

Volume 6 Issue 6

6-27-11

Italian Breads

It is common to deliver Italian bread in open bags³⁸ (with a hashgacha) but without a seal. Is this is permitted?  

There is an opinion in the poskim that says the same reasoning which allowed an unsealed bread delivery, can be applied to Italian bread, since the Jewish store owner will see the bread and know if it is switched.³⁹ In addition, the non-Jew does not benefit from switching the kosher product for a non-kosher product (see below). However, in a non-Jewish store it is preferable to have a seal on the bread, even if it means the bread will be less tasty.⁴⁰ 

Baked Goods

Baked products which have a unique shape or look to them would not require a seal since one is able to tell if it is the kosher product or a substitute. However, if it is not identifiable then a seal is required. Since the price difference is greater for kosher than non-kosher the chances of switching is less of a concern and one seal is enough.⁴¹