K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following information is from the Star-K on March 24, 2013.

Please be aware that in response to comsumer reports of very high rates of infestation in Chasalat Alei Katif Whole Head Romaine Lettuce, we checked and confirmed that at least one batch of Chasalt with only Chasalat Alei Katif Whole Head Romai Hebrew on the bag and no domestic hechsherim is infested similar to market purchased lettuce and we advised checking like regular lettuce.
Please note: the directions on the bag require the leaves to be separated from the head and soaked for 3 minutes in soapy water then throughly rinsed under running water.
We are in possession of a letter from Rav Goldmintzer of New Square Kosher, one of the certifying agencies of this product who recommends additional checking of the lettuce for the presence of thrips .
We have checked subsequent other batches and have found inconsistent results; some meeting the standards advertised and others not meeting those standards. In Baltimore's Seven Mile Market we checked and passed the batch currently being sold we have no information about product in other locations

The following information is from the KAJ on March 21, 2013.

This is to confirm that vegetables and herbs marketed under the brand name "Chaslat - Alei-Katif" are under our hashgocho and supervised by our mashgichim in accordance with instructions issued by agricultural expert advisors. This year’s products are the same as those produced and sold in prior years. Our Hashgocho is responsible for ascertaining that there is no infestation in the product of the type which would not be removed by washing and rinsing. Accordingly, the consumer should meticulously follow the instructions printed on the bag.
It should be noted that I, myself, will be using this product this Pesach, after following the instructions printed on the bag. Under no circumstances should one purchase Romaine lettuce which doekashrut.coms not have a reliable hashgocho. It is almost impossible for Romaine lettuce not to have infestation of the type that does not come off with rinsing and washing.
Copy of letter from the KAJ is here.

The following insect infestation alert is from the Star-K on March 20, 2013.

Due to numerous consumer inquiries , we have tested “Chasalat Alei Katif” Romaine Lettuce from Israel and have found thrips to be present similar to regular Romaine Lettuce heads purchased in the marketplace.
Therefore, it is recommended that this product be washed and checked like any Romaine Lettuce. (instructions below)
Consumers who wish to check romaine lettuces at home are advised to follow the procedures listed below (Please see www.checkforinsects.com for more detailed instructions and pictorial and video tutorials)

1. Wash the produce you wish to use in cold water (it is recommend to use a liquid detergent solution).
2. After you wash the lettuce, check it using one of the following two methods:
   1. Leaf by leaf on a light box.
   2. Prepare a white basin with a cold soapy solution ( electric dishwasher soap works best because there are no bubbles). Agitate the lettuce in the water. Place the basin on top of a light box and check the water for insects.
3. If no insects are found, the lettuce may be used without further inspection. Please ensure that you wash off any residual detergent.
4. If any insects are found, one should repeat steps one through three above.

Information on checking vegetables for insects is at www.kashrut.com/consumer/vegetables/#WASHING.