She Thought It Was Quinoa—Then She Looked Closer and Gagged

If you find something like this in your food—especially at a restaurant or salad bar—here’s what you should do:

• Stop eating immediately. Don’t risk continuing the meal with suspected insect eggs in your salad.
• Take a clear photo, like the one you see here, as evidence.
• Notify the restaurant or store staff politely. Most reputable places will take your concern seriously and may offer a replacement or refund.
• Report it to your local health department if the issue seems part of a pattern or isn’t addressed responsibly.
• If you’re eating at home, inspect all remaining greens and wash thoroughly under running water. You can also soak them briefly in a vinegar-water solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for extra precaution against any remaining insect eggs.

How to Avoid This in the Future

Even pre-washed greens can sometimes slip through quality checks. To avoid insect eggs in your salad, here are a few tips to stay safe:

• Always give your salad a quick look before diving in, especially if it contains leafy ingredients like romaine, butter lettuce, or spinach.
• When prepping at home, rinse even “triple-washed” greens to be safe and ensure the removal of any left-over insect eggs.
• For field-grown produce like lettuce, buy organic only if you’re able to clean it thoroughly—insects are more common in non-sprayed crops.