Lidl Customer Claims to Find Maggot-Like Eggs in Sushi

A Lidl customer has reported finding what she described as fly eggs in a pre-packaged sushi box, raising concerns about food safety. Megan Janes, 28, purchased a £4.99 Raku salmon lovers 10-piece sushi box from a Lidl store in Wantage, Oxfordshire, on July 27.

Janes stated that after consuming approximately eight pieces, she noticed a cluster of what she believed to be eggs. She reported that the following day, these had hatched into "baby" maggots. This discovery led her to stop eating the sushi immediately and retain the leftovers as evidence.

"I was horrified and I was so shocked, it was quite surreal," Janes said, describing the experience as one of her "biggest fears" coming true. She expressed concern about potential hatching insects inside her body and reported experiencing a "dodgy stomach and stomach cramps" in the days following the incident.

Following her complaint, which included emails and photographic evidence, Lidl issued the customer a £10 coupon. A spokesperson for Lidl GB apologized, stating, "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."

However, Janes indicated that the experience had put her off shopping at Lidl in the future, as it is her primary grocery store. She advised others to "definitely be careful."

Taiko Foods, the manufacturer of the Raku sushi range, stated that they operate under "the highest standards of food safety and hygiene" and have "fully investigated this matter." The company added, "We are entirely satisfied that there was no product contamination within the manufacturing process."