Do Roman Catholics have dietary laws?

Answer 1

The Roman Catholic Church has never had strict dietary laws in the same sense as the Jewish Kosher or the Muslim Halal laws. Since the middle of the 20th Century, Roman Catholics have no laws concerning diet, but are encouraged to voluntarily fast on Good Friday and to refrain from eating meat during Lent. Before the Vatican II conference (1962 - 1965), most Roman Catholics fasted from meat on every Friday, and observed many more restrictions during Lent.

Roman Catholic AnswerCurrent law in the Catholic Church requires abstinence from meat, but not eggs, the products of milk, or condiments made of animal fat on all Fridays of the year. In the United States, by special dispensation, the faithful may choose another form of abstinence on Fridays outside of Lent. Abstinence is required for all who have attained their fourteenth year of age. Fasting is only required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for all of those who have completed their twenty-first year and up until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Fasting regulations in the church currently provide for only one full meal during the day, although some food may be taken at breakfast and a collation at lunch, although, together, the amount can not equal another full meal. According to Church law, the "substantial observance" of Fridays as days of penance, whether by abstinence or in other ways, "is a grave obligation".

Answer 2

Except for fasting and abstaining on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstaining from eating meat on Fridays there are no dietary laws in the Catholic Church.