Isn't this somewhat intellectually dishonest? Is mouthwash food? Is it edible? Since when do we worry about ingredients in inedible products? As I've said before Rav Moshe permits glycerine in pleasant tasting medicine, which is made to be consumed. Mouthwash is certainly not pleasant tasting and is made to be spat out. He doesn't even mention it as an option.<br>
<br>Martin Brody<br>
<br>"R. Y. Levine wrote:<br>
<br>
Some time ago I had a long back and forth via email with<br>
<br>
>Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits<br>
>Author of Halachically Speaking<br>
>Rabbinical Administrator - KOF-K Kosher Supervision<br>
>Recorder of KOF- K policy<br>
<br>
It was about the kashrus of mouthwash, particularly Scope and
Listerine. In one of the issues of Halachically Speaking he had written
essentially one should use only use mouthwash that has supervision,
because of the glycerin in the "regular" mouthwashes. This he based on
the psak of Rav Belsky.<br>
<br>
I wrote to him that Listerine has no glycerin in it. I also told him
that I had contacted Scope, and they told me that the glycerin they use
is of animal origin. Eventually he wrote back the following.<br>
<br>
"After giving some thought to our conversation today I want to add the following:<br>
Although the non-Jew said they use vegetable ingredients there is no
one making sure this is always done and non-vegetable glycerin is
cheaper than vegetable. therefore, if they are not a kosher company
there is no reason why they should use vegetable glycerin. Why are we
believing a non-Jew to tell us about kosher. The one answering the
phone has limited knowledge regarding the items in a product. Even if
it is made on the same equipment as animal glycerin we do not rely on
bitul. My opinion still stands that I have no way to guarantee that
only vegetable glycerin is ALWAYS used."<br>
<br>
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