The cRc has updated its strawberry policy. Now, in line with what other hechsherim have been saying, they require soap.
Note: still others feel even that isn’t sufficient.
June 16, 2017
The cRc (Chicago Rabbinical Council) has been finding a high occurrence of insects in strawberries so that the previous method of rinsing and rubbing under a strong stream of water is not being efficient in removing the bugs (especially those that are hiding under the seeds). Therefore, until further notice, we recommend the following method to clean the strawberries from insects:
cut off tops (try to avoid making a hole);
soak and agitate strawberries in soapy water (do not substitute with vegetable wash) using a concentrated solution of approximately one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid mixed together with no more than 8 cups of water for 2 minutes. (We have found Seventh Generation Non-Fragrance Natural Dish Liquid Soap to be the ideal soap for those who are concerned about a “soapy aftertaste”);
rub each strawberry thoroughly under a stream of cold water with hand (or preferably with a bristled brush like a toothbrush);
soak and agitate strawberries a second time for 2 minutes in new soapy water with the same ratio as above;
rinse strawberries.
Once all five steps are done you may enjoy the strawberries without further inspection. Please note that this does not apply to organic strawberries that are very difficult to get cleaned and therefore should be avoided at this time. Of course, if one wants to avoid the above steps, one can eat the strawberries (even organic) by simply cutting off the tops and peeling off the entire outside of the strawberries, followed by a rinse.