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How to check white rice for bugs

Does it need checking? White rice is rarely infested (or only after long storage) in the USA, and sometimes infested in Israel. (Rav Moshe Vaya) Yes, check it once. American rice usually comes very clean. If you find bugs or other grains, check it three times.

Rav Vaya’s rating

USA[★]rarely infested, or after long storage
Israel★sometimes infested (mi’ut hamatzui)

Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 935 (White Rice)

Which bugs

  • Bugs in the rice. When the rice is spread out in a thin layer, they stand out.
  • Rice from abroad, for example India, can come dirty and infested.

How to check

  1. Use a good light. It makes the work much easier.
  2. Take a small amount at a time, not too much and not too little.
  3. Spread it out on the table so you can see everything.
  4. Look for bugs. Also look for grains of wheat or barley and any other dirt.
  5. When a batch is clean, move it aside and spread out the next batch.
  6. Usually all you find is some cracked or black rice.
  7. If the rice is clean, one check is enough.
  8. If you find bugs, or grains of wheat or barley, check it a second and a third time.
  9. Special-production rice that is not enriched usually needs much more cleaning.
  10. Rice sold as kosher for Pesach that was already checked saves you the checking.

Watch

▶ How to Clean Rice for Pesach

▶ How Rice Should Be Cleaned For Pesach?

▶ Rice Which Are Fine For Pesach & How Many Times Rice Must Be Cleaned

▶ Is It Enough to Check Rice Only One Time?

More of his videos on this:

Pictures

Spreading the rice out with both hands on a steel table
Spreading the rice out with both hands on a steel table. (“How to Clean Rice for Pesach”, 0:08)
A bright LED light on a small tripod shines on the table next to a pile of rice
A bright LED light on a small tripod shines on the table next to a pile of rice. (“How Rice Should Be Cleaned For Pesach?”, 0:04)
Spreading rice out in a thin layer across the table under the light
Spreading rice out in a thin layer across the table under the light. (“How Rice Should Be Cleaned For Pesach?”, 0:16)

Sources

  • Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 935 (rating).
  • cRc: raw dry or parboiled rice: a general inspection to rule out obvious infestation. This applies to the Midwest only; elsewhere, contact your local kashrus agency. (Fruits & Vegetables Checking Guide)

Related

References: cRc — Fruits & Vegetables Checking Guide