K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following insect infestation information is from COR Detroit on September 30, 2015.

"Bags of Unger's Pearled Barley that bear the code 9 28017 stamped on the side of the bag have been found to be infested and have been recalled. They should either be returned to the place of purchase, or should be checked very carefully. To check them, place a small pile of barley - an ounce or two at a time - on a white paper plate (not plastic, which creates a shine) with a very good overhead light that illuminates the plate. Use a finger or credit card to drag a small amount of barley away from the pile, spreading that barley in a single layer. Visually inspect the spread-apart barley, looking for black insects and white or tan worms between or under the kernels. Repeat this until the entire pile has been checked. Then do the same for the rest of the barley in the package."
"Consumers who will store barley or other grains for extended amounts of time are advised to store such products in the refrigerator or freezer in order to prevent infestation."

The following insect infestation information is from Hakhel Organization on September 10, 2015.

"BARLEY ALERT! Packaged barley may be subject to insect and worm presence or infestation through November, as the packages may be stored in warehouses for months, and eggs may even hatch within the package. By the following link, we provide evidence of this fact: http://tinyurl.com/p4zq56t For instance, bags of Unger’s barley lot number 05016 from different cases and checked by different mashgichim were found to be infested."
"We have been advised by a renowned Kashrus expert that the proper manner in which to check barley is as follows: Take a full handful of barley from a bag and check it on a white paper plate (not plastic, which creates a shine) with a very good overhead light which illuminates the plate. Slowly separate and swish the kernels looking for black insects and white worms. Checking on a dry surface, is more effective than placing the barley into water and looking for movement."