Is it permissible to eat forgotten food whose owner is unknown, and it is feared to spoil?

Food that is lost and whose owner is unknown is considered a "Luqatah" (found item).

If the food is insignificant, not typically sought after by ordinary people (like an apple), the finder may take ownership of it without publicizing it, and dispose of it as they wish.

However, if it is something that ordinary people would seek after, it is permissible to eat it, provided that its value is guaranteed to its owner if he is found, on the condition that the food cannot be preserved.

Scholars have elaborated on how to deal with found items that are at risk of spoilage:

- Hanafis and Malikis: The found item should be publicized until there is a risk of its spoilage, then it should be given away as charity.

- Shafi'is: Whoever finds an item that spoils quickly and cannot be preserved through treatment has the option to either sell it and keep its price after publicizing it, or take ownership of it, consume it, and guarantee its value. If it can be preserved through treatment, the interest of its owner should be considered, either by selling it or drying it.

- Hanbalis: Whoever finds an item that cannot last for a year, even with treatment, has the option to either consume it and keep its value, or sell it and keep its price. If it is something that can be preserved through treatment (like grapes and fresh dates), then what is most beneficial for its owner should be considered, whether it is drying it or selling it.