Reply To: Worms In Fish

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apushatayid
Participant

The Star-K does not have a policy regarding the worms. The previous quote and their cnsumer advisory is not an indication that they assur anything. In fact, it appears to be more of a business decision than a halachic decision.

This comes from the Star-K site http://star-k.org/cons-vegdetail.php?ID=74

May 18, 2010

Recently there has been much discussion about the fish worms called Anisakis. These worms/parasites have been found in certain species of fish. Some Gedolei Eretz Yisroel have ruled that these worms are halachically prohibited and, therefore, those species of fish must be inspected prior to use. Since we at Star-K strive to have our kosher certified products accepted by all kosher consumers, Rabbi Moshe Heinemann has instructed Star-K establishments and mashgichim that only the non-problematic fish be used. Until we issue policies and procedures for inspections (as we have for vegetables and fruit) the problematic species of fish – fresh, frozen or canned – will not be used, even with kosher certification (unless prior approval is given by Star-K.)

Rabbi Heinemann recommends that consumers follow the same policy. Therefore, only non-problematic fish should be used until guidelines for inspection are issued. As with all halachic issues, people should follow the guidance of their personal Rav.

Updates will be posted on this site.

Update 6/18/2010: Star-K now permits canned wild salmon as long as the consumer mashes it prior to eating. Canned farmed salmon is permitted without mashing.

Policy

The following lists are based on research by Rabbi Gershon Bess. Note: Please READ CAREFULLY since there are some species of fish that appear on both lists. Their acceptability or non-acceptability depends on where they originate. We have no information about fish not included on this list.

Until further notice, only the variety of fish found on the following list may be used without any need for inspection:

Carp

Flounder – Only Fluke, Georgia Banks, Channel

Gefilte Fish

Herring fillet

Lox – Farm Raised

Minced Fish Sticks

Pike

Pollock – Atlantic

Red Snapper – Eastern or Atlantic only

Salmon – Farm Raised (e.g. Atlantic, Norwegian, Chilean, New Zealand, British Columbia )

Sardines – from Morocco, Philippines, Portugal

Tilapia

Trout

Tuna

Whitefish – Michigan-Lake Superior

Whiting

Until we issue policies and procedures for inspections (as we have for vegetables and fruit) the following species of fish (fresh, frozen or canned) should NOT be used (even with kosher certification):

Butterfish

Cod – Scrod, Hake

Flounder – Yellow Tail, Wild Dabs, Black Backs, Turbot, Yellow Fin Sole

Halibut

Red Perch

Red Snapper – Pacific

Sable a.k.a Black Cod – including Smoked

Sole

Yellow Fin Sole