Why does there appear to be a contradiction between fatwas that permit a tiny percentage of alcohol if it does not intoxicate, and those that forbid any use of alcohol in food and drink, even if the percentage is very small?

Foods and drinks mixed with alcohol fall into two categories:

First: The alcohol is completely consumed and disappears within them, leaving no trace of color, taste, or smell. In this case, there is no objection to eating or drinking them.

Second: The alcohol itself remains present, or its effect is discernible in the mixture. In this case, it is forbidden to consume such food or drink, even if the proportion of alcohol is very small.

It should be noted that while it is permissible to eat and drink mixtures with alcohol when the alcohol is consumed (and its trace disappears), it is not permissible to mix foods and drinks with alcohol or any intoxicating substance for the purpose of treatment or otherwise, due to the general saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is forbidden," and due to the Almighty's saying: (So avoid it that you may be successful).