By Rabbi David Bistricer
Checking produce for insects calls for careful washing and a clear view of what the washing removes. The mesh checking method is an alternate inspection method used by mashgichim and some households. It brings those tasks together: produce is washed, the wash water is filtered through a mesh cloth, and the cloth is examined on a light box for insects dislodged into the water.
The method has become increasingly popular in commercial kitchens, where it can help a mashgiach inspect larger quantities of produce in less time. It has also found a place in some households. Its efficiency, however, depends on meticulous preparation and inspection.
Mesh Cloth Inspection Method
The procedure described here is an overview. Before applying it to a particular item, consult OU Kosher’s produce checking guidance and follow the applicable preparation and checking instructions. In a supervised kitchen, follow the mashgiach’s directions.
- Agitate and soak. Place the produce in cold water containing vegetable wash or edible dishwashing soap. Agitate and soak it for a few minutes. Washing must be thorough enough to dislodge insects into the water.
- Strain the wash water. Drain the water through a mesh cloth positioned between two large strainers. The cloth collects material carried out of the produce by the water.
- Inspect on a light box. After draining, place the mesh cloth on a light box and visually inspect it for insects that were dislodged from the produce.
For an example of this method in the context of a specific vegetable, see OU Kosher’s instructions for checking romaine lettuce, which describe both individual-leaf inspection and mesh-cloth inspection.
Keep the inspection surface clear
The condition of the mesh matters. Material that obscures its surface can make the inspection difficult.
- Avoid excess vegetable wash or soap. Too much can leave a buildup of suds on the mesh and hinder inspection.
- Disperse excess dirt. If dirt accumulates on the cloth, use water from a spray bottle to disperse it so the surface can be examined.
- Be meticulous when washing and soaking. The inspection depends on insects becoming dislodged into the wash water; a quick or incomplete wash undermines that process.
A useful technique, with produce-specific requirements
Checking individual leaves can be challenging and time consuming. Where appropriate, the mesh method offers an efficient alternative and can make checking difficult items, including strawberries, more manageable.
The basic technique can be applied to different varieties of produce, but this overview should not be read as a blanket approval to use the same procedure for every fruit or vegetable. It does not specify every item’s preparation, what to do when insects are found, or when additional washing or checking is required. Follow the applicable OU Kosher guidance and consult your rabbinic authority or supervising mashgiach when the next step is unclear.
OU Kosher’s discussion of Rabbi Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt”l’s halachic positions on checking fruits and vegetables provides further background on effective checking methods.
