[Avodah] mouthwash

[Dov Kaiser]

There has been discussion on Areivim about the kashrus of mouthwash.  I found this in an article by R. Chaim Jachter (at http://www.koltorah.org/ravj/14-31_Cosmetics_and_Toiletries_for_Pesach_4.htm):
 
I recall that Rav Hershel Schachter told me (in 1991) that even if toothpaste has a pleasant taste, it is nonetheless considered Eino Ra’ui Liachilat Kelev. He reasons that since the toothpaste is still inedible and not meant to be swallowed it is considered Eino Ra’ui Liachilat Kelev, even if the toothpaste tastes pleasant while it is in one’s mouth. Rav Schachter apparently understands that the Rama (Y.D. 108:4) prohibition forbidding tasting a forbidden item applies only if the item is suitable to be eaten and one intends to eat it. On the other hand, Rav Eider (ad. loc.) writes (based on this Rama), “Flavored lipsticks may not be used on Pesach.” Rav Eider believes that one may not taste even an inedible item that one does not intend to swallow.
This debate seems to impact the question of using mouthwash for Pesach that contains inedible Chametz (many contain denatured alcohol). Rav Eider probably would forbid using mouthwash that has a “minty taste” or other pleasant taste (as opposed to a “medicine-like taste”), whereas Rav Hershel Schachter would likely permit it. Indeed, Rav Meir Bransdorfer (Teshuvot Knei Bosem 1:25) writes that mouthwash is permitted on Pesach if it has inedible Chametz only if it is not intended for eating or to enjoy the taste of it. This seems to imply that he would forbid using mouthwash unless it has a “medicine-like taste.” Rav Elazar Meyer Teitz also recommends to his Elizabeth, NJ community on Pesach not to use mouthwash that has a pleasant taste if it contains inedible Chametz. All would apparently agree (see Rav Heber ad. loc.) that products that are intentionally swallowed such as breath spray and breath freshener strips require Kashrut certification for Pesach and year round.
 
Back to me (DK).  If I remember correctly, the London Beth Din Pesach Guide permits the original Listerine on Pesach.  Perhaps this is for the same reason - it does not have a pleasant taste.
 
Kol tuv,
Dov Kaiser 		 	   		  
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