The Aldi broccoli incident is not alone. Here are other shocking things people have found in their food.
A live frog in a bag of salad greens – A woman in California discovered a tiny frog hopping around her salad mix.
A dead mouse in a loaf of bread – A family in the UK found a rodent baked into their store-bought bread.
A metal bolt in a frozen pizza – A man in Texas chomped down on a metal bolt while eating frozen pizza.
A human tooth in a candy bar – A woman in Australia found a tooth in her chocolate bar. (Yes, really.)
A live snake in a bag of grapes – A family in Tennessee discovered a small snake coiled among their grapes.
These incidents are rare. But they do happen. And they're a good reminder to always inspect your food before eating.
How to Wash Produce Thoroughly (Step-by-Step)
For leafy greens and broccoli:
Fill a large bowl with cold water. Add 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water.
Submerge the produce. Soak for 5-10 minutes.
Agitate gently. Dirt and insects will sink to the bottom.
Rinse under cold running water.
Dry with a salad spinner or paper towels.
For firm produce (apples, cucumbers, peppers):
Rinse under cold running water.
Scrub with a clean brush.
Dry with a paper towel.
For berries and delicate fruits:
Rinse gently under cold water.
Pat dry or let air dry on a clean towel.
A Final, Honest Word
Finding a caterpillar in your broccoli is disgusting. It's jarring. It can ruin your appetite and shake your trust in the food system.