Star-K Kosher Certification

Spinach

Checking Instructions

Please note the following regarding all Star-K insect checking instructions: When applicable, guidelines apply to produce grown and purchased in the United States. Checking procedures in other countries may be different.

Preparation (Optional)

We recommend separating leaves and soaking in water prior to checking, preferably with mild soap or special veggie wash (such as Tsunami 100).

Note: When using soap, use only a food grade cleanser that meets all federal, state, and local regulations. The water should have enough soap to make it feel slippery. Wash thoroughly with clean water before checking to remove any soap residue.

Check

Make a complete leaf by leaf inspection, checking both sides of the leaf.

Note: Leafy vegetable inspection is greatly enhanced when vegetables are placed over a light box. Therefore, all Star-K caterers and restaurants are required to use a light box during vegetable inspection.

Wash off any insects prior to use.

Remove and discard outer leaves.
Separate leaves of three heads of the vegetable.
Do NOT wash leaves.
Make a complete leaf by leaf inspection of the three heads, checking both sides of each leaf.

If one bug is found in the test heads, all the produce in the consignment must be checked leaf by leaf.
If no bugs are found, the rest of the shipment from the same consignment does not require checking and may be used after pulling off the outer leaves of the heads of the remaining consignment.

Insect Pictures

Lettuce with aphids on a lightbox

Lettuce with an aphid on a lightbox

Closeup of aphids

Aphids next to a nickel for size comparison

Adult thrip

Young thrip

Insect eggs

Tutorials

Learn how to check lettuce and other leafy greens
(length 3:45)

Video Clips

Here is a family of aphids our lab found on a head of store-bought lettuce
(length 0:08)

This piece of lettuce was filmed on a light box
(length 0:05)

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What are we doing behind the scenes? Visit the checkforinsects.com blog to see and comment on features we want to add and glitches we are trying to solve.