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It is a mitzva to stay away from toxic or otherwise harmful food. The Sages state that we must be more cautious about avoiding dangerous food than avoiding non-kosher food. Someone who dies as a result of irresponsible eating will be held responsible by God (4:14 above). Therefore, anyone involved in food preparation must be careful about hygiene. Cooks who are preparing food for a group must make sure to wash their hands well with soap and water before touching the food. They must also be careful to refrigerate food properly, particularly animal products, which can spoil in the heat and cause food poisoning. A cook who is sick and contagious must not prepare food, so as not to infect others.
There is a longstanding Jewish custom to avoid eating fish with meat. This is because the combination was thought to be unhealthy. However, to the best of our knowledge today, this assumption is incorrect. Therefore, eating the two together is not prohibited. Nevertheless, since this separation has become a symbol of the Jewish kitchen, the custom is to continue the practice. Some also have a custom to avoid eating fish with dairy, out of fear that it is dangerous. However, since this custom is not very deep-rooted, fish with dairy may be eaten by members of all communities.
