Star-K Alerts of Bug Infestation in Brown Rice

by Yehudit Garmaise

The Star-K sent out an alert this morning that consumers nationwide are finding that insects have infested many packages of brown rice.

Regardless of the hechshers on the packages, the rabbis who provide kashrus supervision at the Star-K remind consumers that they must carefully check brown rice, which “is especially susceptible to becoming infested, due to improper storage: which is beyond the control of the hashgacha.”

To properly check brown rice for bugs, the Star-K says to place brown rice in a fine mesh strainer. 

Then for 25 to 30 seconds, shake the rice over a light box or white paper. 

Using a bright light, consumers should then carefully examine the surfaces of the lightboxes or papers for any presence of insects. 

Research has identified booklice and mites as the most common insects that are found in brown rice, the Star-K says.