Q&A: Worms in Corn
Worms in Corn
Question
Is it permissible to eat an ear of corn? There is, after all, an issue of worms. Can one eat it after washing, based on a presumption, and the like? Or is there no solution? And in general, what is the Rabbi’s opinion about these worm-related issues—is the outcry justified? Do today’s stringencies seem reasonable to the Rabbi?
Answer
Greetings,
It is customary to inspect the ear of corn, and really to break it apart and eat only the kernels. I do not know how reasonable these concerns are (what the likelihood is of finding worms in corn). It seems to me that it is worth doing this. True, there are halakhic decisors who were lenient because of considerations such as lack of intent and the fact that one derives no benefit from the forbidden eating, as well as various doubts. I think that sometimes people are too stringent. Something that can reasonably be checked should be checked.
Thank you