It is a well-known fact that regular green leafy vegetables
are muchzak betola'im and harbor many many forbidden-
to- eat creatures. In recent years a method was developed for
growing these vegetables insect-free, which was welcomed by
the gedolei Yisroel, led by Maran HaRav Eliashiv
shlita, who paskens all questions pertaining to the
growing of these vegetables.
The process of growing the insect-free vegetables includes
several aspects: growing the vegetables in hothouses covered
with a fine mesh screen, which keeps out insects; spraying
with insecticides under the supervision of an agronomist and
with the approval of the Ministry of Health; field
laboratories that check samples before and during harvesting,
whose approval is required before the produce is released for
marketing; as well as an additional laboratory that checks
samples taken from shops. This is all done according to the
instructions of the gedolei hador.
The gedolei Yisroel and the leading kashrus
organizations agree that vegetables grown in this way are not
muchzak betola'im, but should nevertheless be washed
thoroughly before use. In accordance with the instructions of
the Rabbonim shlita, this is printed on every package.
According to all the approved laboratory tests, after washing
with water and a little dishwashing liquid, the produce is
completely clean of infestation and may be eaten, without
checking, with complete confidence.
It should be noted that we, the undersigned, have first-hand
knowledge of the situation, as we visit and check out the
Gush Katif hothouses on a regular basis (and it seems to me
that we are the only ones who can make that claim) and as
such our opinion can be relied upon. It should also be noted
that our laboratories are open for inspection by anyone
interested in investigating the situation for himself,
whereas those who have been circulating irresponsible rumors
have not allowed us to come to see and verify their
results.
HaRav Moshe Vaye
Author of Bedikas Hamozone Lehalochoh and Machon
Lehanchalat Hahalacha
HaRav Shlomo Shmulevitz
Director of the Division for Mitzvos Haaretz
Rabbanut Yerushalayim
