Lidl shopper claims fly eggs in sushi hatched into maggots after purchase
A Lidl customer says she discovered what she believes were fly eggs in a sushi pack she had almost finished eating before claiming they hatched into maggots the next day.
A Lidl shopper says she was left horrified after discovering what she believes were fly eggs inside a pack of sushi she had almost finished eating, before claiming they hatched into maggots the following day.
Megan Janes, 28, bought a £4.99 Raku Salmon Lovers sushi box from Lidl in Wantage, Oxfordshire, to help cure a hangover on July 27.
She says she had eaten around eight of the 10 pieces when she noticed a cluster of tiny eggs on the remaining sushi.
"I was horrified. I was so shocked," Megan said. "I'd almost finished it when something caught my eye. My boyfriend thought they were seeds, but I knew they weren't."
Megan said she immediately stopped eating, felt sick and kept the remaining sushi as evidence.
She claims the following morning the eggs had hatched into tiny maggot-like larvae inside the packaging, leaving her terrified they could have hatched inside her too.
"I was panicking," she said. "That's my worst fear. I don't like insects anyway and the thought they might be growing inside me was horrible."
Video showing the wriggling larvae has since attracted more than 47,000 views online.
Although Megan said she experienced stomach cramps and an upset stomach afterwards, she has not reported any serious illness.
After complaining to Lidl, she received a £10 goodwill voucher but says the experience has put her off shopping there.
"It's my main supermarket, so it's not ideal," she said. "I'm not trying to scare people, but I'd tell anyone to check their food carefully."
Lidl GB apologised and said the incident fell below its usual standards.
A spokesperson said: "At Lidl GB, we work closely with our suppliers to ensure all products meet strict quality standards. While rare, damage to outer packaging can sometimes occur, which can lead to product deterioration.
"We were very sorry to learn that on this occasion our high standards were not met, and can confirm that both a refund and a goodwill gesture have now been issued to the customer."
Taiko Foods, which manufactures the Raku sushi range, said it had investigated the complaint and was "entirely satisfied" there had been no contamination during the manufacturing process.