Definition of Oleh Al Shulchan Melachim

All foods that are cooked are subject to the laws of Bishul Akum, with exception to Mezonos products that are baked, which are subject to the laws of Pas Akum.[1] The prohibition of Bishul Akum only applies to foods that cannot be eaten raw, and are of importance to be served at a kings table. All foods that are edible raw, or are of unimportance and hence not served at a kings table, are not subject to the laws of Bishul Akum, and may hence be cooked by a gentile.[2] If however the food is eaten on a kings table and is not eaten raw, then it is prohibited due to Bishul Akum even if the food is not eaten together with bread, but rather as a desert or appetizer.[3] [However, some Poskim[4] are lenient and rule that only foods that are eaten with bread are prohibited due to Bishul Akum, and thus even if the food is eaten on a kings table and is not eaten raw, if it is not eaten with bread it is exempt from the prohibition of Bishul Akum. Aside for the above discussion, it is questionable as to what is the exact definition of an “important food which is served at a kings table?” Some[5] suggest it refers to any food that is not normally served at a wedding meal or in the White House dinner, and so is the approach followed by the OU and Star K. Others[6] suggest it is any food that will be put out in front of guests to eat, such as on Shabbos, or even during breakfast, but not foods that are only eaten as a mere snack. Others[7] ascertain that due to the complexity of defining this matter, all cooked foods should be treated today as important foods that can be eaten at a kings table, and so is the approach of some Mehadrin Hashgacha’s in Eretz Yisrael, such as the Eida Hachareidis and others.[8] 

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[1] See Michaber 112/1; Taz 112/6; Shach 112/18; Toras Chatas 75/12; Beis Yosef 12 in name of Rav Yechiel; Peri Chadash 112/17; Beis Lechem Yehuda 112/11; Kaf Hachaim 112/35; See Hakashrus 19/2

[2] Michaber 113/1; Avoda Zara 38a

[3] Implication of Michaber 113/1 “Or to eat as a Parperes” as writes the Peri Chadash 113/3 and so conclude the following Poskim: Chochmas Adam 66/1; Aruch Hashulchan 113/7; Kaf Hachaim 113/7

[4] Peri Chadash 113/3

[5] Many Rabbaonim and Kashrus organizations including: Rav Yisrael Belsky of the OU; Rav Heinman of the Star K; See Kashrus Halacha Lemaaseh p. 373;

[6] Beis Vaad Lachachamim p. 303 and onwards; See Kashrus Halacha Lemaaseh p. 373

[7] See Beis Vaad Lachachamim p. 303 and footnote 39 in name of some Rabbonim and Mehadrin Hashgacha’s; Opinion of Rav Moshe Yosef, the Rav Hamachshir of Badatz Beit Yosef; See Igros Moshe Y.D. 4/48 regarding potato chips; See Aruch Hashulchan 113/18 that food sthat are only eaten by the poor are defined as Eino Oleh; See Kashrus Halacha Lemaaseh p. 373

[8] So I was told by a representative of the Vaad Hakashrus of the Eida Hachareidis that they ae initially careful that the boiler for the candy production be turned on by a Jew.

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