This might seem like a stupid question, but is there any issue with allowing a non-Jew share cups with Jewish employees where it is certain that the cups are only being used for kosher items, such as tea or coffee?
The above example (ie letting non-Jewish and Jewish employees share cups for tea and coffee) happens commonly in my workplace where the tea-room is used by both kosher-adherent and non kosher-adherent workers.
Answer:
This is certainly not a “stupid question.”
In principle, there is nothing wrong with sharing cups with non-Jews.
The only concern is that non-kosher food should come into contact with the cups, but since this is very unlikely under the circumstances, there is no need to be concerned for this, and the practice is therefore fine.
