Do Packaged Frozen Vegetables Require Kosher Certification?

Observing the laws of Kosher can be a bit tough sometimes, but the rewards are certainly greater than the challenges.

Most frozen vegetables are acceptable for year-round use (excluding Passover), as the freezing process does not pose any Halachic concerns; though you should always be on the lookout for insects which occasionally infest vegetables.

Based on my research, it appears that due to the strong likelihood of insect infestation in the following frozen vegetables, they should only be bought with a reliable kosher certification: broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, asparagus, cut onions, spinach, potatoes, and artichoke hearts.

Also, any vegetable containing added ingredients such as pasta, oil, spices, sauces, flavoring, or coloring require Kosher certification.

According to the CRC, a noted kosher certification agency, any vegetables that are packed in Israel or China require reliable certification.

Best wishes,

Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson

By Baruch S. Davidson

Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson serves as shliach and rabbi of the Shul Community at Chabad of the Main Line and is the writer of Lightpoints, a collection of insights on the Torah, adapted from the works of the Rebbe. Together with his wife and children, he lives in Lower Merion, in the Philadelphia suburbs.

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13 Comments

Tami Baum Lakewood August 6, 2020

Hi, if I see frozen broccoli with a K on the wrapper (great value/Walmart brand) is that kosher for consumption? Reply

Simcha Bart for Chabad.org August 7, 2020

in response to Tami Baum:

As the article above indicates there's a problem with bug infestation, a K alone is not indicative that there are no bugs. Thus, one would need to check for bugs before using it. Reply

Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org February 2, 2017

To Jon in Monsey A whole insect (as opposed to piece of it) can never be nullified, regardless of its size, because it is a being of its own. Only pieces or crumbs, which are not actual beings, can be nullified. Reply

Jon Kaminetzky monsey January 27, 2017

Aren't insects frozen with the vegetables considered batil bishishim? Especially when they don't add to the taste. Reply

Golda November 17, 2013

The rabbi forgot to mention kale. You can't buy frozen kale without a kosher certification. Reply

Leah Denver October 2, 2013

rasberries Can we clean fresh raspberries and freeze them in a kosher manner? Reply

Anonymous London, UK April 4, 2012

Frozen Broccoli and spinach I read online that Star K permit all frozen vegetables, except from Israel and some from china. Is this a lenient opinion which will permit the use of all frozen vegetables? I have often soaked frozen broccoli in salt water and found nothing, as well as inspecting the leaves. It is so healthy and good for you to eat, but the hechshered ones are too expensive! Reply

Yonason Chasid Malaney, Qld/Aust November 24, 2011

Frozen sharp vegetables What is the situation with frozen chopped onions for instance. Are they acceptable too? Why? How about davar harif when it comes to frozen vegetables? Reply

Stephen Weinstein Camarillo, CA June 21, 2011

Israeli produce canned anywhere, not just Israel The special reasoning applying to Israel and China is:

1. There have been cases of "food" from China containing prohibited things (and not just unkosher ingredients, sometimes actual poison!) that was not not listed on the label. For this reason, food from China, regardless of type, requires supervision and certification.

2. Produce grown in Israel is only kosher if grown in accordance with certain rules relating to agricultural practices in Israel. This does not apply to produce grown in other parts of the world, which is generally kosher if bug-free.

However, food can be canned in a different country that the origin of the food. For example, to reduce costs, salmon caught in U.S. waters off the coast of Alaska are canned in China and then shipped back to the U.S. for sale.

In theory, if a can contains produce grown in Israel, then it should be subject to the same requirements as food canned in Israel, even if the food was canned elsewhere. Reply

Baruch S. Davidson (author) March 3, 2009

Re: Frozen Fruit From the website of the Chicago Rabbinical Council, a widely respected kosher certification agency:

All canned and frozen fruit is acceptable, with the following exceptions that would require a reliable hashgacha:

If it contains any natural or artificial flavors or natural colors, contains any grape juice or the words “fruit juice”, or is canned in Israel or China. Reply

Anonymous March 3, 2009

Frozen Fruit Do we then assume that fruit also need a hechsher? Reply

Baruch Davidson (author) March 26, 2008

Frozen vegetables Raspberries are often infested with tiny insects. Therefore, many leading Kosher agencies discourage their consumption, even year-round. However, frozen raspberries go through a rigoruous cleansing process before they are frozen, which is deemed satisfactory for Kosher standards. Reply

Leah Chicago, IL March 26, 2008

Frozen vegetables Does that mean that frozen vegetables and fruits do NOT need to be checked? Raw raspberries are not permitted, however you may buy them frozen without a kosher certification and they are OK. What makes a frozen bug more permissible than a non frozen one? Reply

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