Question:
If something does not contain any animal derivatives, may it be eaten? What else do we need to look for?
Answer:
Hello,
Here are some other issues that products might have.
- The machinery used might also be problematic.
- Anything containing grape derivatives can be an issue of yayin nesech.
- Animal derivatives include fish and anything else that is alive (e.g., certain orange coloring comes from beetles).
- Any produce from Eretz Yisroel can be problematic if terumos and maasros weren’t separated from it, or if it is shemitta during applicable years.
- Flavorings can come from areas that it is hard to know what ingredients they contain.
This is why, in general, we only eat foods that have a reliable supervising agency.
Best wishes
