Two friends sought a peaceful evening at a trendy downtown restaurant, choosing healthy options like an avocado-quinoa salad. Everything seemed perfect—until one noticed tiny black dots in her meal. What she initially thought were chia seeds began to twitch. To her horror, they were live insect eggs.

Disturbed, the pair alerted the restaurant staff. The manager blamed a possible supplier error but offered little reassurance. Fearing they might have ingested the eggs, the friends rushed to the ER, where doctors ran precautionary tests and prescribed medication to prevent infection.

The restaurant later cited a quality control failure, but the damage was emotional and psychological. Even common foods now triggered anxiety. Experts explained that insect contamination can occur anywhere—from harvest to the kitchen—if food isn’t properly handled or stored.

This incident serves as a reminder that food safety is everyone’s responsibility. Watch for signs of contamination, such as vomiting, cramps, or fever, and always inspect and wash produce carefully. Whether dining out or cooking at home, staying vigilant can prevent a relaxing meal from turning into a health scare.