Checking Product for Bugs on Shabbat

You may check produce for bugs on Shabbat or Jewish festivals but:

  • On Shabbat, you may not remove any bugs.

ReasonYou may not move it with your hand due to the bug's being muktza and you may not rinse it off on Shabbat due to boreir.

  • On a Jewish festival, you may remove the bug but not by hand. 

Example You may rinse a bug off produce on a Jewish festival.

NoteYou may not kill bugs on Shabbat or Jewish festivals. To do something that is certain to kill the bug is forbidden; if might not kill the bug, it is OK.

Note You may remove the bug along with part of the produce even on Shabbat.

 
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