Foods Containing Small Amounts of Alcohol

Question

Is it permissible to eat foods that contain a small amount of alcohol, such as ketchup or vinegar? [AR_ID:486]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you,

Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

If it is known that a food contains intoxicants, it is not permissible to consume it. There is no difference in the prohibition of consumption whether the intoxicating content is large or small, nor is there a difference between whether the intoxicant is liquid or solid.

Source: Special Inquiry: 1 + 2.

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Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him):

All types of alcohol, whether derived from wood or otherwise, are pure and not impure. Medicines, perfumes, and foods containing alcohol are pure, and you can use them. It is also permissible to consume them if the alcohol content is very low and consumed in such a way that it does not cause intoxication, such as a concentration of 0.2%.

General Note: The alcohol referred to in the question is not wine.

Source: Fiqh for Expatriates – Purity and Impurity + Official Site: 1, 2.

May you be successful in all good.