10 Aug KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

Is one allowed to cook meat and fish
together in the same oven at the same time?
The issue of eating fish and meat together is described in
Halacha as a matter of Sakana (danger). The Gemara says,
Chamira Sakanta Me’Isura—we must be more stringent when it comes to
danger than even when it comes to prohibitions (Isurim). Therefore, mixing
fish and meat should never be done.
The question, however, is how far this concern extends, especially since some
consider it more of a custom than a strict prohibition. Some are extremely
careful and won’t even use
the same pot for both fish and
meat. Others would certainly
not cook fish and meat in
the same oven unless one of
them is completely covered.
These are examples of varying
customs regarding how careful
one should be in this area—
but without a doubt, fish and
meat should never be mixed.

Another situation that often arises, particularly in restaurants, is the desire
to use the same fryer to cook both fish and meat in the same oil. That is
something we would absolutely never permit.
Is there such a thing as a mezonos bagel?

The OU, as a matter
of policy, does not
recognize the existence
of a mezonos bagel.
Rabbi Belskey zt”l was
particularly sensitive
to the issue. He taught
that halachically, there
is no such thing, for two
reasons:
A) People commonly eat
bagels as a meal.
B) If it looks like a bagel and tastes like a bagel, then it’s a bagel—regardless
of what kind of juice or sweetener was used in its preparation.
Therefore, the OU does not certify anything as a “mezonos bagel.”