What is the opinion of Lubavitch Rabbanim regarding the Anisakis worms issue in salmon?
The issue of Anisakis isn’t a particularly Lubavitch issue as such, and although the Tzemach Tzedek dedicates some space to address the issue of fish infestation as discussed in the Gemara, I’m not aware of any inference one can have regarding the contemporary issue.
As mentioned, this is primarily a Halachic issue with many Halachic arguments put forward to support both positions, and therefore a Lubavitch Rov might choose either position.
Nonetheless, several Lubavitch Rabbonim have opined on the issue, most notably Horav Landau in Bnei Brak, who wrote to support the lenient position. Indeed, if one wishes to find a Chassidishe perspective on the matter, there are also two specific meta-Halachic issues or Hashkafa issues very relevant here:
- The argument that the position of Chazal in Halacha is immutable regardless of scientific observation.
- The fact that Klal Yisroel in general, and particularly Gedolei Yisroel over the generations have eaten various fish including herring without regard to this issue. Those prohibiting Anisakis obviously have responded to these claims, but it is difficult to reconcile their position with the facts.
For Horav Landau’s Teshuvah click here.
Other Poskim who permit Anisakis are:
Horav Vosner a”h. Horav Yaakov Blau a”h. Horav Padwa a”h. Badatz Eida Charedis, Badatz Belz, OU, Rabbi Moshe Vaye, Horav Chayim Kanievski, Horav Pesach Falk.
#1568
In regards to the names you listed of Rabbonim who allow anisakis..
I heard from some well informed people involved in Kashrus in E”Y that the list (which they say is based on an online answer by Rabbi Zaritsky who writes online that he heard from some of them that there’s no issue) is incorrect.
A. Re. Rav Wosner, he wrote a whole tshuva assering it. This was written in the public domain, not relying on someone who said he said it’s muttar.
B. Re. Eidah Chareidis, they say the Eida does not allow it.
C. Same for R. C. Kanievsky.
D. The primary opponent they say is Rav Landau. Supposedly it has been written at length that the science which R. Landau based his tshuva on (that the anisakis are born inside the fish, hence were never שורץ על המים) is incorrect, i.e. he received faulty information.
Perhaps this was covered in the lengthy very well-sourced article on this by Rabbi J.D. Bleich.
I’m mentioning this now because I see the answer with these names already went up on your website, and as mentioned I was told that some actually hold to the contrary.
Although none of this is directly relevant to the actual issue, you are right that I should have pointed out that there is an ongoing dispute about what the position of these rabbonim is, as this itself has been heavily debated. Rabbi Vaye, for example, claims that he has spoken personally with many of the rabbonim and they have permitted.
Obviously, Rav Landau maintains that his info IS accurate.