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Summary of Question:	Food Contents
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 4/13/2004 6:24 AM MDT

Satsriakhal.

Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji - Happy Vaisakhi to all.

I have been a strict vegetarian for over ten years now. I always read food content labels before consumption. For some time now I have stopped eating a famous brand of tomato ketchup because it contains Spirit Vinegar. People around me advise that when alchol is used in food it loses it's alcoholic content due to heat treatment.

I still refrain from consumption of such food items even if they are served at other people's homes, because I feel that even if it has lost it's alcoholic properties, the fact remains that food items such as spirit vinegar are derived from alcohol. Please could you advise me if I am being fanatical!

I am sure you will advise me that 'It's your decision', I don't mean to sound petty in any way at all. I am only asking because I need clarification from a religious stance.

Thank you.

Gurfateh.

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Yes, you did answer your own question. It is true that when alcohol is heated it loses its alcoholic properties. Isn't vinegar just another form of grapes? Vinegar doesn't originate from alcohol, it originates from grapes. Alcoholic vinegar has been fermented, heating it changes the chemistry of it again. I could tell you not to be a fanatic...but the bottom line is that you do have to decide for yourself. You have to be comfortable. I have many food restrictions...due to allergies. I don't make a big deal of it with friends. I try to be subtle and eat what I can. If you make an issue of your food...it becomes a big issue with friends. Decide what is best for you and just do it gracefully...without judging others or making a big deal of it. Blessings. GTKK