Dining out is often a joyful experience, offering people a break from routine, a chance to socialize, and an opportunity to try new flavors. But occasionally, something unexpected can happen—such as discovering unusual substances or particles in a dish that raise food safety concerns.

This article recounts a real-life dining experience involving an unexpected discovery in a restaurant salad. More importantly, it provides practical guidance on what to do in such a situation, supported by verified health and safety recommendations from food regulatory authorities.

Experience That Took a Concerning Turn
A recent evening out at a popular city-center restaurant took a surprising turn for two friends who had been enjoying what was expected to be a relaxing dinner. While savoring a freshly plated avocado and quinoa salad, one of them noticed something unusual: tiny black specks scattered across the top of the greens.
At first glance, the specks resembled chia seeds or coarse ground pepper—both common ingredients in modern cuisine. But upon closer inspection, the specks appeared to move slightly, prompting alarm.