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Chicago Rabbinical Council

Fruit and Vegetable Policy

January 2021

Below you will find the current cRc position on the proper checking and use of various fresh and frozen fruits and

vegetables purchased in the United States. Infestation levels change due to seasons, growing environments, global

imports, and other factors, and therefore the cRc constantly reviews its policies and cleaning methodologies, and the

instructions noted below represent the most updated information as of the printing of this book. It is difficult to cover

all the different varieties, so if you want to use a product which is not found on this list, please call the cRc office at

(773) 465-3900.

A word of caution: This guide is primarily directed towards those experienced in the inspection of produce for insects.

If you have never done so in the past, the cRc does not recommend that you start on your own by just reading the

guide and policy. Rather, wait until you’ve been given some hands-on direction and become experienced enough and

capable to do so. Furthermore, the actual insects may not be what you are expecting. They are not simple flies,

roaches or spiders. Most of them are small and hard to find right away due to their size and color, but nevertheless

forbidden to consume. For those “first-timers” we do offer an alternative method to clean leafy vegetables which is

listed under “alternate method if no thrip-cloth is available”.

When we refer to a “cRc cleaning thrip-cloth method” the following procedure should be followed:

Thrip-cloth Method (using a silk cloth) for lettuce (romaine, etc.):

You will need a large bowl, dish soap, 2 strainers, a thrip-cloth, and a light box.

1. Separate the leaves and place them into a bowl of water.

2. Put enough dish soap (a good choice would be Seventh Generation 0% fragrance) or kosher vegetable wash

into the bowl until the water and leaves become somewhat slippery.

3. Agitate and soak the leaves in the soapy water for 1- 2 minutes.

4. Remove the leaves from the bowl, and discard the water.

5. Repeat steps 2-4. Alternatively (instead of repeating steps 2-4) one can wash each leaf under running water

(both sides) and then place leaves into a new bowl of soapy water.

6. Remove leaves and pour the water through a thrip-cloth (fine silk cloth that can be purchased from the cRc)

that is sandwiched between 2 strainers.

7. Check the cloth carefully on top of a light box or similar apparatus. If a bug is found, repeat. If no bugs are

found, rinse and enjoy

Alternate Method if no thrip-cloth is available:

For large leafy vegetables: Separate leaves. Soak and agitate in soapy water. Gently rub a sponge over the entirety

of each side of every leaf making sure to open all folds of the leaf. Rinse both sides of each leaf under running water.

No further checking is required.

For small leaf vegetables such as parsley, cilantro and other herbs: Follow steps 2-5 of the thrip-cloth cleaning

method. One may then check the water using a clear basin in bright light very carefully for insects. (Please note that a

lot of time is needed when checking the water as the insects will be harder to see when floating in water). If there are

insects found in the water, the process should be repeated until no insects are found in the water. Then three samples

or batches of the vegetable must be checked and if no bugs are found, the remaining produce may be used without

further checking.

Please note that we do not recommend the use of salt water or vinegar to properly remove insects from fruits and

vegetables. Another important point is that many times one comes across a fruit or vegetable that is unusually

infested with insects. This is especially true with most organic produce. If left with no choice, the only way organic or

highly infested produce can be consumed is if the above mentioned “thrip-cloth method” is used and repeated until the

produce is clean. If after three times there are still bugs on the cloth, either throw out the batch, or continue the thrip

cloth method until you have clean cloths twice in a row. Finally, when discussing bagged lettuces below we are not

recommending them for the Pesach season where there is an additional concern of non-Pesach ingredients used in

the wash.

According to cRc policy, one is permitted to thoroughly puree produce (when purchased for the purpose of blending)

that is only moderately infested with insects. Before pureeing, one should first rinse the produce under running water

to remove the surface, easy to remove bugs.

With regards to more heavily infested produce, such as fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and organic

leafy produce (such as organic kale, romaine lettuce, etc.), or any produce that seems to be more infested than usual,

one should avoid pureeing them altogether. If one would like to puree fresh strawberries, it would be permissible to do

so provided that they are first soaked and agitated in soapy water (1 tablespoon of soap to 8 cups of water) for a

minute, followed by a rinse.

Name Status Recommendation

Alfalfa Sprouts

Acceptable Without Certification

A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation.

Amaranth Leaves Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Apricots


Does not need to be checked for insect infestation.

Artichokes, whole, fresh

Requires a Reliable Hashgacha

All whole artichokes not recommended. Fresh and frozen artichoke bottoms do not require certification.

Arugula Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Asparagus, Green

Fresh asparagus must have the tips cut off and discarded. One should either peel the entire sides of the asparagus or remove all the triangular side leaves and wash well.

Asparagus, White

Fresh white asparagus is permissible without further checking after rinsing with water. Canned and Frozen are permissible only with a reliable hashgacha.

Baby Broccoli (Broccolini)

Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Barley, raw Acceptable Without Certification

Barley may become infested at the food warehouse, retail store, or even one's own home due to prevailing conditions such as humidity, temperature and other insect infestation. As such, one should make a cursory inspection of the barley before purchasing (if possible) and before use, the barley should be placed in a bowl of cold water for a short time to remove any possible insects.

Basil leaves, dried Acceptable Without Certification

Whole or crushed is included.

Basil, fresh


Beans, canned Requires a Reliable Hashgacha

Beans, raw, dry Acceptable Without Certification

Beans processed in the United States and most other countries are centrifuged to remove bugs. As long as beans are stored in cool and dry conditions they will remain bug-free for many months. For this reason, there is no need to check beans for insect infestation in the United States. Beans in another country or if you have reason

to believe the beans may not have been stored properly may require further inspection for insects.

Bean Sprouts, fresh


Beets, fresh A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation.

Beets, canned or jarred

Require a Reliable Hashgacha

Belgian Endive, fresh

Acceptable Separate the leaves and wash each one individually under a stream of water.

Blackberries, fresh

Not Recommended

Blueberries, fresh

At the beginning of May 2020, we issued an alert about a seasonal increase in infestation in blueberries, and we are happy to inform the public that the infestation has subsided to the point that one no longer needs to wash with soap. All that is needed is to wash the blueberries well in water. We anticipate this low level of infestation will end in early April so this water only rinse should not be used past April 1, 2021. The one exception to this is organic blueberries which should be washed and checked using the thrip-cloth method.

Blueberries, frozen Acceptable Without Certification

Frozen blueberries, without any kosher sensitive ingredients added are acceptable without certification.

Bok Choy


Broccoli, fresh

Not Recommended

It is very impractical and close to impossible for the average consumer to properly check fresh or frozen broccoli. It is therefore highly recommended that only product with a reliable hashgachah be used. Broccoli stems (no florets) may be used without checking after rinsing with water.

Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)

The leaves must be washed using the cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method as directed above. The broccoli -like buds are too difficult to check and should not be used.

Broccoli Slaw

After months of research, the cRc continues to find a high amount of insect infestation in organic broccoli slaw. We therefore are no longer recommending using organic broccoli slaw without a reliable hashgacha.

The cRc has previously recommended the use of any (non-organic) broccoli slaw without any special washing or checking. However, this summer we have been finding an extremely high level of infestation which we believe are a result of an unusually hot season in the growing areas plus a myriad of covid-19 related changes in the processing farms and plants.

Therefore, at this time, we recommend that broccoli slaw only be used after it is first checked with the thrip cloth method. We will continue to check broccoli slaw and the factors causing such high infestation. Once the situation returns back to normal we will alert the public of the change.

Broccoli Sprouts


Brussels Sprouts, fresh

One who insists on eating brussels sprouts, may separate all the leaves, wash them in a bowl of soapy water and check them using the thrip cloth method.

Brussel Sprouts, frozen and canned


Bulgur Wheat Requires a Reliable Hashgacha

Butternut Squash, fresh


Butternut Squash, frozen

Any winter squash (this is squash that must be cooked before eating) that is fully cooked requires hashgacha (due to the requirements of Bishul Yisroel).

Cabbage, fresh green

Remove outer 4 leaves, and rinse the remaining leaves thoroughly (front and back) under a stream of water

Cabbage, Green or Red, prewashed and shredded (Cabbage Slaw)


Cabbage, Napa (Chinese Cabbage)


Cabbage, pre-washed


No further washing is required.

Cabbage, red/purple

Remove outer 4 leaves, and rinse the remaining leaves thoroughly (front and back) under a stream of water

Carrots, fresh Requires a general inspection to rule out any obvious infestation.

Carrots, frozen and canned

Frozen carrots without any added kosher sensitive ingredients are acceptable without certification. Canned carrots need a reliable hashgacha.

Cauliflower, fresh

The washing and cleaning procedure for fresh cauliflower is as follows: 1. Remove green leaves from head. 2. Cut head into 8 pieces. 3. Prepare bowl of water mixed with vegetable wash. 4. Place (cut) cauliflower into bowl of water, and agitate for 30 seconds. 5. Remove cauliflower from water. Check water using the thrip-cloth method above.

Cauliflower, frozen

If certified, no further checking is required. If not certified, it must be checked as one would check fresh cauliflower

Canned or jarred cauliflower requires a reliable hashgacha.

Caulilini (baby cauliflower)


Celery Stalks Must be washed and checked well, especially around the bottom of the stalk and around the leaves.

Chard, all varieties (Swiss Chard)


Chili Pepper (see Pepper, Chili, below)

Chives


Cilantro, fresh


Collard Green Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Corn Husks (tamales)

Soak the husks in water with a generous amount of soap for several minutes while agitating it for part of that time. Rinse each husk individually, front and back, under a strong stream of water. Then check each husk using strong lighting.

Corn, on the cob, fresh

The husk should be removed, and the corn rinsed. Then a general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation.

Corn, frozen, All varieties


Frozen corn without any added kosher sensitive ingredients are acceptable without certification.

Corn, canned Requires a Reliable Hashgacha.

Cranberries, dried Requires a Reliable Hashgacha.

Does not need to be checked for insect infestation.

Cranberries, fresh Acceptable Without Certification

Cranberries, canned, frozen & Cranberry Sauce


Canned Cranberry sauce and Canned and Frozen Cranberries are acceptable without certification as long as they do not contain any kosher-sensitive ingredients. In this context, citric acid, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and water are not kosher-sensitive.

Cucumbers, fresh

A general inspection is needed to rule out any obvious infestation.

Cucumbers, canned or jarred

Requires a Reliable Hasgacha.

Dates, fresh

Slice open a handful from the container and check inside. If no insects are found the rest may be eaten without checking. This applies to all dates domestic, pitted etc..

Dates, dried


With no additional flavors are acceptable even without a hechsher. Slice open a handful from the container and check inside. If no insects are found the rest may be eaten without checking. This applies to all dates domestic, pitted etc.

Dill, fresh


Dill weed, dried


Edamame, fresh

A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation

Edamame, frozen Acceptable Without Certification

Edamame, canned or jarred


Eggplant, Raw

A general inspection is need to rule out any obvious infestation.

Eggplant, canned or jarred


Escarole, fresh Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Fava Beans, fresh


Fava Beans, frozen


All frozen without any kosher sensitive ingredients is acceptable without certification.

Fennel

Cut along length of fennel green "leaf" and check for bugs inside and around the area protruding from the bulb. Discard the roots.

Fenugreek


Figs, fresh Acceptable Without Certification

Slice open a handful from the container and check inside. If no insects are found the rest may be eaten without checking. This applies to all figs (domestic, etc.)

Figs, dried Acceptable Without Certification

Slice lengthwise. Check for wasps (black-ish appearance) and worms.

Flowers

Must be spot checked for bugs. If they are found, the batch should not be used.

Frisee


French Sorrel


Garlic, raw, Whole or peeled


Fresh cloves require a general inspection to rule out any obvious infestation.

Garlic, jarred, minced and/or in oil


Grains, Raw Dry

Grains processed in the United States and most other countries are centrifuged to remove bugs. As long as the grains are stored in cool and dry conditions they will remain bug-free for many months. For this reason, there is no need to check grains for insect infestation in the United States. Grains in another country or if you have reason to believe the beans may not have been stored properly may require further inspection for insects.

Grapes, fresh, all varieties

Separate the large bunch of grapes into 3 or 4 smaller bunches and rinse under cold water.

Green Beans, fresh (String Beans)


Green Beans, frozen (String Beans)


Green Beans, jarred or canned

Requires a reliable hashgacha

Green Onion, (Scallion)

Cut scallion root from top to bottom of bulb; examine between thin layers where they merge from the bulb. If no insects are found, the remaining scallions may be consumed after thoroughly washing. If insects are found, the entire head must be checked carefully. Remove any leaf miner trails (seen below.)

Herbs, fresh


Herbs, dried

Acceptable Without Certification.

Herbs with no added kosher sensitive ingredients are acceptable without hashgacha.

Herbs, homegrown including indoors


Horseradish, fresh


Horseradish, jarred


Jerusalem Artichoke


Jicama A general inspection is needed to rule out any obvious infestation.

Kale, fresh


Kale, frozen Requires a Reliable Hashgacha

It is very impractical and close to impossible for the average consumer to properly check frozen Kale.

Kohlrabi, fresh

Remove and discard 4 outer green leaves. Remove remaining green leaves (if any) and rinse them thoroughly under a stream of water. The remaining white leaves may be used without any further checking other than a cursory inspection for obvious insect infestation.

Kohlrabi, Prewashed and shredded

Acceptable without Certification

Leek

Cut along full length of the leek so every leaf is separated. Wash each leaf thoroughly under running water. Remove leaf miner trails (see ‘green onion’ above)

Lemon Grass, fresh


Lemon Grass, dried, frozen


Frozen dried lemongrass without any kosher sensitive ingredients is acceptable without certification.

Lettuce, all besides iceberg


Lettuce, bib Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Lettuce, Boston


Lettuce, butter Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Lettuce, iceberg


Lettuce, iceberg pre-washed

Needs proper certification. Without hashgacha use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Lettuce, Oak Leaf Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Lettuce, Raddichio Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Lettuce, Red Leaf


Lettuce, romaine, not pre-washed


Lettuce, romaine, pre-washed


Lettuce, spring mix


Lettuce, spring mix, pre-washed


Mache, (Corn Salad Greens)


Melons



Mint, fresh Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Mint, dried


Dried mint without any added kosher sensitive ingredients is acceptable without certification.

Mulberries, fresh or dried

Not Recommended

Mushrooms, fresh

Fresh mushrooms must be rinsed and a cursory inspection is needed.

Mushrooms, dried or frozen


All dried or frozen without any kosher sensitive ingredients are acceptable without certification.

Mushrooms, canned and jarred


Mushrooms, oyster

Not Recommended

Mushrooms, Portobello

Thoroughly wash each one under a strong stream of water including the fan area beneath the crown.

Mushrooms, Shitake

Thoroughly wash each one under a strong stream of water.

Mustard Greens Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Nori Seaweed Requires a Reliable Hashgacha

Due to reports of that non-kosher crustaceans are occasionally being mixed into plain nori sheets, as well as shared oven lines with non-kosher product, the cRc recommends only buying Nori with a reliable kosher symbol. As the nori sheets will have a reliable symbol there is no longer a need to check each sheet against the light for insects.

Nuts

Unflavored raw nuts are acceptable without hashgachah, assuming there are no added sensitive ingredients. In this context, nuts which are merely blanched or pasteurized are considered “raw”. Any nuts which are roasted (dry roasted or oil roasted), cooked, boiled, canned, flavored, colored, or have added kosher-sensitive ingredients, require a reliable hashgachah.

Okra, fresh


Okra, frozen Acceptable Without Certification

Okra, canned, jarred


Olives, canned, jarred

All canned olives require hashgachah with the exception of black olives which are acceptable in the USA only even without a hechsher if they are only packed in water and salt.

Olives, fresh

Requires a general inspection to rule out any obvious infestation.

Onion, all varieties fresh


Cut off both ends of the onion. If the layers of onion are tightly packed, then peel first layer of the onion or wash well. If the layers of onion are loose, wash each layer.

Onions, fresh cut Acceptable Without Certification

Onions, freeze dried and canned


Onions, frozen Acceptable Without Certification

Oregano, fresh


Oregano, dried


Dried oregano without any kosher sensitive ingredients added is acceptable without certification.

Parsley, fresh Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Parsley, dried Acceptable Without Certification

Dried parsley without any added kosher sensitive ingredients is acceptable without certification.

Parsnip, fresh


Pea & Pea pods, fresh


Pea & Peapods, frozen


Frozen peas and peapods without any kosher sensitive ingredients added are acceptable without certification.

Pea & Peapods, canned, jarred


Pea Sprouts, fresh A general inspection is needed to rule out any obvious infestation.

Peanuts, raw A general inspection is needed to rule out any obvious infestation.

Peanuts, canned, jarred, boiled, oil roasted


Pepper, Chili, dried

Dried chili peppers with no added kosher sensitive ingredients is acceptable without hashgacha. Canned, cooked and bottled chili peppers require a reliable hashgacha.

Peppers, Hot and/or Sweet, fresh


Peppers, Hot and/or Sweet, canned and jarred


Pepper, ground: black, red or white


Peppercorns, whole


Pine Nuts, See ‘Nuts’ above

Pistachio Nuts See ‘Nuts’ above

Potatoes, all varieties, fresh


Potatoes, frozen, canned, instant, dehydrated, potato starch and potato flour


Prunes, dried


With no added flavors. Does not need to be checked for insect infestation

Radish, fresh

A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation. Pre-cut acceptable, as long as there are no other ingredients.

Raisins, domestic Acceptable Without Certification

All domestic are acceptable even without a hechsher. Does not need to be checked for insect infestation.

Rapini, (See Broccoli Rabe)

Raspberries, fresh

Not Recommended

Rhubarb, fresh


Must be washed and checked well, especially around the bottom of the stalk and around the leaves.

Rice, Raw Dry (all varieties including Wild Rice)

A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation. Rice with added kosher sensitive ingredients, as well as all canned, cooked, quick and instant rice requires a reliable hashgachah.

Romanesco Broccoli

The washing and cleaning procedure for fresh Romanesco Broccoli is as follows: 1. Remove green leaves from head. 2. Cut head into 8 pieces. 3. Prepare bowl of water mixed with vegetable wash. 4. Place (cut) Romanesco Broccoli into bowl of water, and agitate for 30 seconds. 5. Remove Romanesco Broccoli from water. Check water using the thrip-cloth method above.

Rosemary, fresh Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Rosemary, dried Acceptable Without Certification

Dried rosemary without any added kosher sensitive ingredients is acceptable without certification.

Rutabaga, fresh A general inspection is needed to rule out any obvious infestation.

Seeds, all varieties fresh


A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation. All raw seeds without any added kosher sensitive ingredients such as colors, flavors or oils are acceptable even without hashgacha.

Sesame Seeds Acceptable Without Certification

A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation. All raw and/or dry roasted seeds without any added kosher sensitive ingredients such as colors, flavors or oils are acceptable even without hashgachah.

Shallots, peeled and washed



Sorrel


Soybeans, raw A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation.

Soybeans, frozen Frozen soybeans without any kosher sensitive ingredients added are acceptable without certification.

Spinach, canned Requires a Reliable Hashgacha

Spinach, fresh


Spinach, frozen Requires a Reliable Hashgacha

It is very impractical and close to impossible for the average consumer to properly check frozen spinach. Therefore, only product with a reliable hashgachah may be used.

Spinach, pre-washed


Squash, all varieties, fresh


Strawberries, fresh

The cRc (Chicago Rabbinical Council) has been finding a high occurrence of insects in strawberries so that the previous method of rinsing and rubbing under a strong stream of water is not being efficient in removing the bugs (especially those that are hiding under the seeds). Therefore, until further notice, we recommend the following method to clean the strawberries from insects: 1) cut off tops (try to avoid making a hole); 2) soak and occasionally agitate strawberries in soapy water (do not substitute with vegetable wash) using a concentrated solution of approximately one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid mixed together with no more than 8 cups of water for 1- 2 minutes. (We have found Seventh Generation Non-Fragrance Natural Dish Liquid Soap to be the ideal soap for those who are concerned about a “soapy aftertaste”); 3) rub each strawberry thoroughly under a stream of cold water with hand. 4) soak and agitate strawberries a second time for 1- 2 minutes in new soapy water with the same ratio as above; 5) rinse strawberries. Once all five steps are done you may

enjoy the strawberries without further inspection. Please note that this does not apply to organic strawberries that are very difficult to get cleaned and therefore should be avoided at this time. Of course, if one wants to avoid the above steps, one can eat the strawberries (even organic) by simply cutting off the tops and peeling off the entire outside of the strawberries, followed by a rinse.

Strawberries, frozen

cRc does not recommend frozen strawberries even with hashgacha unless the certification clearly states it is “bug free”. However, any brand of frozen strawberries may be purchased if they will be used in pureed products such as smoothies. If one wishes to eat frozen strawberries, the following is an approved method to clean them: 1) place them in water until defrosted 2) add a generous amount of soap or kosher veggie wash 3) agitate them for 20 to 30 seconds 4) rinse off with plain water.

String Beans, fresh Acceptable Without Certification


Sun-dried Tomatoes


Sundried Tomatoes do not require certification if no kosher sensitive ingredients are added. All jarred and canned tomato products require a Hashgacha

Sunflower Seeds Acceptable Without Certification

A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation. All raw and/or dry roasted seeds without any added kosher sensitive ingredients such as colors, flavors or oils are acceptable even without hashgachah.

Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)


Swiss Chard See ‘Chard’ above

Tomatoes, fresh A general inspection is needed to rule out any obvious infestation.

Tomatoes, canned and jarred


Turnip, fresh A general inspection is needed to rule out any obvious infestation.

Thyme, fresh Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Thyme, dried Acceptable Without Certification

Dried thyme, without any added kosher sensitive ingredients, is acceptable without certification

Verdolaga, fresh (Mexican Parsley)


Watercress, fresh Use cRc cleaning thrip- cloth method, as directed above.

Zucchini, fresh (Summer Squash)


Zucchini, frozen


Frozen zucchini without any added kosher sensitive ingredients is acceptable without certification.

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