Q. Is baker’s yeast chametz?
A. The se’or prohibited by the Torah does not refer to baker’s yeast. Se’or is sourdough, which is made by allowing raw dough to become moldy and capable of leavening future dough. Baker’s yeast, however, is a microorganism propagated on various media, typically, in its final production stage, on molasses. It can be sold before Pesach even by people who are careful to avoid selling chametz gamor. Baker’s yeast should not, however, be consumed on Pesach. Even if a manufacturer claims that the medium for producing yeast is molasses, it should not be used. The production process for yeast involves multiple stages, and it is possible that the manufacturer is referring only to the final production stage.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Halacha Yomis - Baker's yeast OU Kosher Halacha Yomis This column is dedicated in memory of: Rav Chaim Yisroel ben Reb Dov HaLevi Belsky, zt'l Senior OU Kosher Halachic Consultant from 1987-2016
Q. Is baker’s yeast chametz?
A. The se’or prohibited by the Torah does not refer to baker’s yeast. Se’or is sourdough, which is made by allowing raw dough to become moldy and capable of leavening future dough. Baker’s yeast, however, is a microorganism propagated on various media, typically, in its final production stage, on molasses. It can be sold before Pesach even by people who are careful to avoid selling chametz gamor. Baker’s yeast should not, however, be consumed on Pesach. Even if a manufacturer claims that the medium for producing yeast is molasses, it should not be used. The production process for yeast involves multiple stages, and it is possible that the manufacturer is referring only to the final production stage.
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