cRc-Kosher has always paid close attention to policies on insect infestation in fruit and vegetable certification. Below are cRc-Kosher's Kosher certification requirements for how to properly inspect and use various fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. (Of course, the following list cannot cover all products; if the product you are concerned about is not listed, please contact us.)

Kosher washing

To ensure compliance with Kosher certification requirements, vegetables must be thoroughly washed in cold water with a small amount of a Jewish vegetable detergent or soap solution. Then remove them from the water. If bugs are found in the water, repeat the process until there are no bugs in the water. Then three samples or batches of vegetables must be taken for inspection; if no problem is found, the remaining produce may be used without further Kosher inspection.

*Please note: we do not recommend using mild salt water or vinegar to properly remove insects from fruits and vegetables. Fresh vegetables on this list are not for Passover Kosher use.

Many times you will encounter fruit or vegetables with many bugs. This is especially true of some organic produce. In such cases, you should not try to inspect and remove the insects. This is because you are extremely unlikely to properly inspect and remove all the insects.

Canned/bottled vegetable guidelines

Most canned or bottled vegetables require a reliable Kosher certification inspection. There are also some exceptions to the rule. Under the supervision of a Peruvian rabbi, cactus and artichoke hearts can be accepted as Kosher if they are packed only in water (not oil or vinegar). But inspecting artichoke hearts together is not recommended. There may be other exceptions to the Kosher rules, but unless you know, others will need a reliable inspection.

Kosher vegetables

All freeze-dried vegetables and fruits require a reliable on-site Kosher inspection. Generally, all canned vegetables also require a reliable Kosher inspection.

Alfalfa sprouts: a general Kosher inspection is necessary to rule out obvious insect infestation. Otherwise, it is not Kosher.

FAQ

How should fresh fruits and vegetables be washed and inspected per Kosher requirements?
According to cRc, vegetables must be thoroughly washed in cold water with a small amount of Jewish vegetable detergent or soap solution, then removed from the water; if bugs are found in the water, repeat until there are none, then take three samples or batches for inspection - if no problem is found, the remaining produce may be used. Using mild salt water or vinegar to remove insects is not recommended. When encountering fruit or vegetables with many bugs (especially organic produce), one should not try to inspect and remove them, because it is extremely unlikely all insects can be properly removed.
What are the Kosher certification requirements for canned/bottled and frozen fruits and vegetables?
Most canned or bottled vegetables require a reliable Kosher certification inspection, but there are exceptions - cactus and artichoke hearts packed only in water (not oil or vinegar) under a rabbi's supervision can be accepted as Kosher. All freeze-dried vegetables and fruits require a reliable on-site Kosher inspection, and generally all canned vegetables do too. Alfalfa sprouts need a general Kosher inspection to rule out obvious insect infestation, otherwise they are non-Kosher.