Are substances that are fit for consumption but intended for secondary uses (like perfume) excluded from the category of food items for the purpose of related legal rulings?
Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
Substances that are fit for consumption remain subject to rulings concerning food items even if they are designated for a higher purpose, such as being used as perfume ingredients. They are not removed from the category of the edible simply because they are utilized for another use.
Supporting text
A position holds that if the secondary items (aromatics used for scenting oils) are not primarily intended for eating, the resulting mixture is exempt from certain rulings. This is refuted by stating that their edibility remains intact despite their secondary application.