Many reasons have been given for the laws of kashrut, one of which is that they are meant to distinguish and separate the people of Israel from other nations. One of the well-known prohibitions in kashrut is the prohibition of “Chalav Akum” (milk from a non-Jew), though it is sometimes confused with similar terms. This article will clarify the topic.
What is Chalav Akum?
“Chalav Akum” refers to milk that was milked by a non-Jew, without Jewish supervision. The Talmud states that such milk is forbidden because of the concern that the non-Jew might have mixed in milk from a non-kosher animal. However, if a Jew supervises the milking and ensures that the milk comes only from a kosher animal, the milk is permitted—even if it was actually milked by a non-Jew. This supervision doesn’t have to be continuous; it is sufficient for the Jew to be present in the area, such that the non-Jew is aware of the oversight and refrains from tampering. It’s important to emphasize that the prohibition of Chalav Akum is a clear halachic ruling, codified in the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 115:1). Nevertheless, some modern halachic authorities have allowed for leniencies in certain cases, which we will explore below.
Chalav Akum in Developed Countries
In recent generations, governmental supervision and enforcement systems in developed countries have become highly reliable. In many of these places, the risk of mixing in non-kosher milk is minimal, due to strict regulations and oversight. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein was one of the leading authorities who ruled that in such countries, it is permissible to consume milk from non-Jewish sources if the packaging clearly indicates that the milk comes from a kosher animal. Rabbi Feinstein himself limited this leniency to situations where Chalav Yisrael is difficult to obtain and concluded that those who are spiritually meticulous should ideally continue to be strict. Still, there are poskim (halachic decisors) who follow his position and allow consumption of such milk in developed countries. It should be noted, however, that this ruling applies to pure milk only, and not necessarily to dairy products such as chocolate, cheese, chocolate milk, and so on.
What About Chalav Akum/Milk Powder?
The modern food industry has shifted significantly in recent decades, and many food manufacturers now use milk powder instead of liquid milk. The use of milk powder produced from Chalav Akum has sparked a major halachic debate. Some authorities argue that the rabbinic prohibition applies only to liquid milk and therefore milk powder would be permitted (e.g.,Har Tzvi, Tzitz Eliezer). Others maintain that the prohibition extends to milk powder as well and treat it like any other form of Chalav Akum (e.g., Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, Shevet HaLevi).
Who Is Strict About Chalav Akum?
Based on the above, we can summarize as follows: milk of unknown origin is forbidden according to all opinions. Regarding milk from developed countries—some authorities permit it, while others are strict. A separate debate exists regarding the use of milk powder—some permit it, others forbid it. Each person should follow the guidance of their rabbinic authority. Many halachic rulings also take into account the practical need: the situation of someone living abroad without access to Chalav Yisrael is not comparable to someone in Israel who simply wants to eat candy or processed foods containing milk powder. As a final note, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel does grant basic kosher certification to products made with Chalav Akum milk powder, but does not grant them Mehadrin certification—so the choice is up to the consumer.
Nachman Harris. Kosher Expert.
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