UPDATE: THE ONLY BRAND THAT IS CONSISTENTLY FREE OF INFESTATION IS POS'TIV & KOSHER GARDEN ( Blossom w/CRC Hisachdus only- without any other heimish hashgocha) Many heimishe hashgochas have an agenda against Pos'tiv product, therefore they prefer the infested brands.
Matzav.com has received an advisory from the Va’ad HaKashrus of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway, which is guided by Rav Yosef Eisen, claims to be an expert in insect infestation. (Factually, he isn't an expert in infestation)
The Vaad advises that there is a report of very high infestation in fresh red cabbage. Small white insects can only be detected if the cabbage is opened on top of a light box. This is extremely tedious and impractical.
The following sources are acceptable to be used: Pos'tiv Cabbage, Romaine, lettuce and all other of their items
Red cabbage from whole heads may not be used until the end of August. END of article
Note: The bugs don't know when August ends, nor can they read "insect-free"
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Red cabbage always had an insect issue albeit less then the green or white cabbage.
Radicchio, scallions, dried figs, strawberries even frozen, raisins, frisee, fresh corn on the cob, arugala, watercress, fresh herbs are all infested.
The issue is that Mashgichim in general and some of the so called experts are not trained properly to check for infestation. A little knowledge can be very dangerous. Knowing somewhat more than others doesn't make one a renowned expert.
The J &R distributors and R&S BROWN BROS. that distribute the dole product with Star-k, KAJ, Gruber, Shutz, Rappaport, etc certified product is being machshil the tzibur, as it's often infested.
When a KAJ, Gruber mashgiach checks a minute amount of samples on the Dole and finds it infested, he doesn’t put the yellow KAJ-Gruber stickers. J&R puts on the other stickers, Rapport, Shutz, etc knowing full well that it’s infested.
Therefore according to Halacha “hoitzei-neveilah-mitachas-yudoi” one may not purchase ANY product through J&R, as they are machshil the Tzibur.The ONLY reliable system in checking for infestation is called the “Postive-system”.
One does not need a light box to see the insects, but it does help. They can be seen by the naked eye, but it’s easier on a light box. See Mishnah berurah (pesach) bring the Chasam sofer “You must use MUMCHIM to inspect vegetables or don’t use the vegetables” end of quote. The Chasam Sofer said this every year in his Shabbos Hagodol drasha.The mumchias is to be able to see infestation even though it's camouflaged.
Bodek relies on mathematical cheshbonos which is good for acturary type of calculations, but in insects people want actually clean without cheshbonos.
16 comments:
RYE knows there are problems which he has told bnei Torah. He even referred to this company as the bags with bugs. The 5 Towns pulpit rabbis however are putting a figurative gun to his head, threatening to fire him if he makes a single move in opposition to Belsky & the more current "heter" manufacturers. The adam gadol R' Elya Rominek ztl when he was still among us made a special trip to Israel to shrey to the gedolim over how the pulpit rabbis, who are solely interested in chanfening their fresser shul members who don't appreciate anyone limiting their fress menus, are manipulating RYE & the Vaad with gangsterei.
Seems like Romnick Z'L didn't get anywhere. Otherwise Reb Yudel Shlit'a Would have all the letters and the 'Ill scream with you' Propaganda.
Reb Yudel still may be right but without those 'plakatehn' this post is a waste.
https://www.rocklanddaily.com/news/satmar-rebbe-calls-on-klal-yisroel-to-check-mezuzas-speaks-on-siyem-hashas-and-250-sqf-max-in-kiryas-yoel-at-central-chof-alef-seuda-moitza-shabbos
https://www.motherjones.com/food/2024/12/agri-stats-antitrust-meatpacking-inflation-doj/
Agri Stats or Agri Stars?
It is best to stick with israeli salad and no leafy veges or herbs . The pressure these mashgichim are under and the short staffed supermarkets and big restaurants make it not possible to check the amount of veges they are given on a daily basis to check it well according to halacha .Look in the supermarkets in the tri state area how they are offering all kind of so called pre checked veges and how much of it they have its incredible. Ask the rav hamachshir if he woukd take some home to serve it to his family better yet ask the mashgiach himself !
If you want really want salad just invest in the time to clean and check romaine leafs. Why would any factory bagged lettuce be more reliable than yourself?
One should ask a rav hamachshir if hewould bring into his house and let his family eat from the supposedly checked veggies done by all of his mashgichim in his establishments. Either thebrav hamachshir would lie and say yes to save his job or he would say the truth and say no . I had personal experiences and discussions with mashgichim the roressure they are put under by the storeowners some even tell the mashgichim of u finish or not we are using these veges for our busy dinner ! And there are times that there are major infestations and mashgichim are terrified to tell the boss the stuff cant be used they have to be thrown out amd thye just let it go . This whole situation where mashgichim get paid by the store owner is terrible not just for the veggie checking but kashrus as a whole
Washing thoroughly and then checking romaine lettuce with a scope takes time. In my household no one wants to do the labor and time needed except myself. Without prior cleaning you will almost always find some old dead insect decayed to the point where it is transparent. I find that the insects eyeballs don't decay as much and are a dead give away(pun intended) that this thing you see under the scope is a dead bug. Eventually you will recognize other parts of the bug once your eyes lock in. An infestation will stick out like a sore thumb. Fluorescent green bugs moving around. I don't understand the movement that you need special training to clean vegetables. It is just a lot of work. Try washing the leafs with soap without any prior washing and then strain the liquid and check. If you didn't find anything then keep looking.
Rabbi Shain, I don't understand your definition of infestation. An infestation is according to an internet dictionary "the presence of an unusually large number of insects....". How can one not be properly trained to see an infestation? You would need to be blind or have other cognitive issues not to see an infestation. The bigger issue or training or practice needed is to find one or a few insects especially if they are dead and decayed. I am just a kosher consume trying to eat healthy without going broke buying vegetables that cost more per pound than beef. Your input would be appreciated. Thank you
The concept of "bedikas tola'yim" (checking for insects) relies heavily on visual examination and attention to detail. Here's why perception is crucial:
Visual Acuity: The ability to clearly see and identify insects, which can sometimes be very small, is essential. A keen eye is needed to distinguish between dirt, natural spots on leaves, and actual insects.
Lighting and Contrast: Proper lighting enhances perception, making it easier to spot tiny insects. It is recommended to use bright, natural light or a strong artificial light when inspecting vegetables.
Familiarity with Common Insects: Recognizing the types of insects typically found on leafy vegetables (e.g., thrips, aphids) improves the accuracy of the inspection.
Focused Attention: Checking requires undivided attention to avoid missing small or camouflaged insects, which can easily blend in with the texture or color of the leaves.
Use of Tools: Tools like a magnifying glass, a lightbox, or a water basin to rinse and inspect vegetables enhance perception, making it easier to detect small or hidden insects. But an insect that is only visible with a Magnifying, is not of a concern.
Experience and Training: Developing the skill of perception through practice and training is valuable. Many people benefit from learning proper techniques under the guidance of an expert.
If perception is impaired for any reason (e.g., poor eyesight, inadequate lighting), it's advisable to use pre-checked, certified, or processed vegetables prepared under rabbinical supervision. These are often triple-washed and certified as bug-free, reducing the reliance on individual perception.
It is not just romain lettuce theres dill parsley baby spinach and a whole bunch of other stuff that are used in salads in the restaurants and catering halls huge amounts and they have usually one mashgiach supposedly checking it all ! So when u sit dowm at a beautiful wedding of 5-600 plus ppl or one of these conventions or pesach programs amd the opener is a big beautiful salad think about what you are about to eat .
A consumer can also triple wash the produce. He can wash it 10 times. Also being able to discern between a thrip or aphid, who cares. Do you need to be an entomologist to know something is a bug? It has eyeballs, legs, wings, .etc I am a consumer. Why is there a kosher industry required to eat leafy green vegetables. What is the training? Do I need to study with and entomologist? How did the first expert in checking for bugs become an expert? This skill needs to be demystified and given to the consumer.
tripple washing will not get rid of leaf miners, aphids, mites, etc. that's why a little knowledge is very dangerous in kashrus.
When someone goes into a restaurant to order a salad he should feel comfortable knowing that the greens were washed and checked carefully that no aphids thrips leaf miners or other bugs were found . That takes alot of training experience and patience .Unfortunately alot of mashgichim dont have these 3 requirements and people are paying high proces for their salads which they are probably not even allowed to eat
So tell us then, the dangerous ones with little knowledge, how to remove insects from leafy greens? Do I need tweezers? Does washing with soap and water pressure remove them? What knowledge is required?
I agree with everything except the last paragraph. Checking leafy green vegetables is time/labor intensive. The price with this labor and then the repackaging would be too expensive. Plus the shelf life of these vegetables, with all the handling required for checking would be shortened. I can't see how there can be a product individually checked and not insanely high in price.
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