Susana De Castro was shocked to discover toothpicks embedded inside an apple she purchased from Lidl in Patchway, Bristol. The mother-of-four initially mistook the sharp objects for thorns, but closer examination revealed their true nature. The family immediately returned the apples to Lidl, where the manager apologized and issued a refund.
De Castro believes the apple was intentionally tampered with, describing it as a ‘booby trap.’ She and her family are now warning other parents to be vigilant when purchasing groceries, especially fresh produce.
Lidl has responded to the incident, expressing regret but stating that they have not received similar complaints and do not believe there is cause for wider concern. However, a spokesperson encouraged De Castro to contact Lidl’s Customer Care team to enable further investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential for food tampering and the importance of being cautious when consuming fresh produce. Consumers are advised to inspect their groceries thoroughly and report any suspicious findings to the retailer or relevant authorities.
