Pesach Faqs

Q. Why does the cRc require a Pesach hechsher on unflavored seltzer

A. There are several ways to collect carbon dioxide used to create seltzer, and one of them is as a byproduct of the production of beer or whisky. Of course, beer and (just about all) whisky is chametz, and there is a difference of Rabbinic opinion whether the chametz status transfers to the carbon dioxide gas. Some are of the opinion that since carbon dioxide is a gas, and it is "scrubbed" of all chametz taste, it is permitted on Pesach even though it comes from a chametz source. The cRc follows the stricter opinion that treats the gas as chametz since it is direct result of the beer or whisky production.