Q. The candy-man in our shul gives out lollipops of different colors to children on Shabbat, often more than one if they so request. Is it permitted for him to give a candy of one color to child who is already aware of the Shabbat prohibitions, when he asks for a second one to be eaten later, if it is of a different color? Would that not be a case of borer (sorting and separating) mixed items for later use, that is prohibited?
A. Poskim view grapes and other fruits of different colors as being two different kinds of mixed items, even though they are the same fruit, in regard to the prohibition of borer. To be permitted to choose, one would have to choose the one wanted and for immediate use. (Pri Megodim 319 : 5, see also Mishna Berura 225: 14, regarding the brocho of Shecheyanu).
However, they are lenient in regard to candies, where the taste and shape is basically the same and only the color is different. If so. one is not choosing different mixed items, and is therefore permitted. (Piskei Teshuvos 319: n. 152). See also question 2226.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the taste is similar, it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a