My friend and I went out for a casual dinner at a trendy city-center restaurant, hoping for a relaxing evening with good food and soft music. She ordered a salad with avocado and quinoa, which looked tasty and fresh at first glance.

But then she noticed tiny black specks sprinkled on her salad. At first, we thought they were chia seeds, harmless and common. However, to our shock, those little balls began moving. It wasn’t seeds—it was something else entirely, and it scared us.

I immediately called the waiter over, stunned and confused. Once we realized what was really in the salad, we didn’t hesitate. We rushed straight to the hospital, worried about the health risks of consuming whatever those moving specks were.

That evening, meant for enjoyment, turned into a nightmare. The unexpected discovery and its implications shook us deeply. I’m sharing this story as a cautionary tale—always be vigilant about what you’re eating, especially at new or unfamiliar places.

Food safety matters, and even small details can make a huge difference. What seemed like an ordinary night out quickly became a frightening ordeal, reminding us all to be careful and pay attention to what’s on our plates.