Are followers of the Jewish faith allowed to eat guinea pigs?

Druu

Yes. Judaism and Islam prohibits the consumption of pork as it is considered an unclean animal. However, the guinea pig is a rodent, and therefore not a real pig. The second link shows that owning a guinea pig as a pet complies with kosher regulations (owning a non-kosher animal such as a real pig is contrary to Jewish law). Because the guinea pig is kosher for the purposes of pets, it should be kosher for the purpose of consumption. Of course, one must look into the method by which the guinea pig is slaughtered in anticipation of consumption. http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Pig_-_As_food/id/1857682 http://www.ottmall.com/mj_ht_arch/v26/mj_v26i05.html Jan 28 10, 2:42 AM

Arpeggionist

No. Leviticus prohibits Jews from eating any mammals without split hooves who do not chew their cuds. Rodents are specifically mentioned there as unclean animals. In Deuteronomy the list of clean mammals is narrowed down further for the purposes of keeping kosher. Giraffes are kosher, but guinea pigs are decidedly not. (My source is my pocket Bible which I left in Boston, and is therefore not at my side at the moment. For further reference one can check with my employers, the Rabbinical Commission of New England, at KVH.org) Jan 28 10, 6:19 AM

Bronxiteone

If anyone is interested, there is a pig from Indonesia that does conform to Kashruth. Jan 28 10, 8:48 AM

Arpeggionist

Back at my desk now, so I can say with certainty that chapter 11 of Leviticus and chapter 14 of Deuteronomy are the source texts to look at for the basic lists of kosher and non-kosher terrestrial animals, birds and fish. Jan 28 10, 8:34 PM

star_gazer

Jews can eat whatever they want. However, Jews who want to remain kosher need to be careful with their diets. The Torah certifies rodents, reptiles, amphibians and insects as non-kosher... http://www.ehow.com/facts_5148129_kosher-food-information.html The guinea pig is officially listed as a rodent. http://www.angelfire.com/az/cavykingdom/mystery.html Jan 28 10, 11:10 PM