Is there any concern about using paper towels with hot food? I know there are some who advise against using the first few and last few sheets during Pesach, due to the presence of starch-based glue which may be chametz. Otherwise it is generally not viewed as problematic, but I've heard that there might be an issue of some ingredients (glycerin, maybe?) being derived from non-kosher sources. Does anyone have authoritative information about this one way or the other?
Answer
The potential kashrus concern with non-food items is the use of processing aids or release agents during manufacturing, which at times could have a non-kosher component. It is certainly a worthy sheilah to address the issues involved since these products, which will later touch food directly, may possibly come into contact with a non-kosher processing aid or release agent.
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The issue with the towels is the adhesive or glue that is applied to the roll, which allows the first few sheets to stick together and prevent the roll from unraveling. This adhesive contains numerous components and as a result many rip off the first three sheets before use on Pesach, lest any adhesive present on those sheets contain chometz or kitniyos. However, some take the position that this is not necessary since the adhesive or glue is a non-food item that is not at all fit for eating by any standard, and should be completely permissible. It is interesting to note that glue can also contain derivatives from treif animals, and discussion of this topic should not be limited to only Pesach. Those that are lenient on Pesach would also take a lenient position throughout the year, since glue is not fit to eat as a food. There are no concerns with the paper itself.
Like all other issues, consumers should consult their Rabbonim for direction.
Information was taken from http://www.oukosher.org/index.php/common/article/10006
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