What began as a routine lunch turned alarming when a woman found strange brown clusters in her salad.

At first, she thought they were quinoa, but after looking closer, she saw they were attached to a lettuce leaf and were likely insect eggs.

She immediately stopped eating and warned others.

While unsettling, this situation is not rare. Leafy greens grow outdoors, where insects lay eggs—especially in tightly folded vegetables like romaine or spinach.

Even with modern cleaning and packaging, no system is perfect, and small natural remnants can slip through.

In most cases, accidental contact with insect eggs poses little health risk. Stomach acid typically neutralizes such material.

The main concern is hygiene and discomfort rather than toxicity.

If this happens at a restaurant, diners should stop eating and notify staff.

Most establishments will apologize and replace the meal.

At home, rinsing produce—even if labeled “pre-washed”—and carefully checking leaves can help prevent similar surprises and keep meals safe.