Checking for Bugs: Difference between revisions

# Even though bugs are disgusting nonetheless it would make a mixture forbidden since it is a living creature and isn't nullified.<ref>Pri Chadash 103:5 and Kaf Hachaim 103:5 unlike the Aruch Hashulchan 103:11. The Pri Chadash proves his point from the Rambam (Machalot Asurot 2:21). The Kaf Hachaim proves his point from the Shulchan Aruch 103:4 and Torat Chatat 85:24 (which was written by the Rama, but the version which is a proof is from an emendation and not the Rama). Some achronim including the Panim Meirot and Chavot Yair agree with the Aruch Hashulchan in explaining the Rama to mean that something isn't a briyah as long as it is now pagum since it is a bug. However, the Gra 103:2 and Pri Chadash 103:5 explain that the Rama is talking about a good tasting food that became spoiled.</ref>

# If a hechsher is placed on a vegetable you can assume that it is permissible to eat without further checking unless stated explicitly. This doesn't necessarily mean that there are zero bugs in the bag. Either the hechsher might mean that the vegetable has a instance of infestation less than miyut hamatzuy (10%) and doesn't need checking, they rely upon checking three sample sizes in a larger batch, or they rely upon the washing and checking of the quality control supervisor of the company.<ref>[https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-kosher/in-the-bag-kosher-certification-of-bagged-salads/ OU Hechsherim on Salads]. The source for checking three out of a larger sample is from Tuv Taam Vdaat 1:123.</ref>

===Bugs in Water===

# There is a concern for copepods in the New York City tap water. Some hold that the water needs to be filtered before drinking it.<Ref>See [https://www.sefaria.org/Contemporary_Halakhic_Problems%2C_Vol_VI%2C_Chapter_7_New_York_City_Water Rabbi Bliech's article in Contemporary Halachic Problems v. 6 ch. 7]</ref> As to which filters suffice see Rabbi Dr. David Shabtai RJJ article (v. 49 pp. 38-80).