According to Jewish law all fruits and vegetables are naturally kosher, however insects (toloim) are forbidden to be eaten.

When one eats a fruit or vegetable which has even ONE insect in it, one has transgressed not only one but as many as SIX Torah prohibitions.  It is therefore incumbent to check any fruit or vegetable that requires inspection.

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The obligation to inspect.

There are three categories with regards to the requirement to inspect produce. Torah Obligation: If a particular food has more than a 50% chance of being infested there is a Torah obligation to inspect the food. Rabbinic Obligation: If the food has less than a 50% chance of being infested but is occasionally infested there is a Rabbinic requirement to inspect the food.

No Obligation.

If finding an insect  in this food  is rare and unusual, there is no obligation to inspect it. If one found in a food where one rarely finds infestation (category 3 above) at least three insects one has to deem this type of food as a food that is prone to infestation and inspection is required. 

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If one has opened a food and cut through an insect one should rinse the food, wash the knife with cold or warm water and remove from either side of the food a thin layer of the food. Following this procedure, the food may be eaten.

This Guide is for the inspection of fruits and vegetables purchased in the UK.

One must bear in mind that infestation and the quality of the produce differ greatly depending on where it was bought and its storage conditions.