Insects, fungus in food: Survey reveals consumers’ pesky woes

Bengaluru: On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, on April 7, a national survey by LocalCircles has revealed that 38% of households have encountered insects, fungus, or other contaminants in packaged food purchased well within expiry dates over the past three years.

The survey, which received over 40,000 responses from 341 districts, includes disturbing reports such as a centipede in an ice cream tub, a dead rat in chocolate syrup, and a frog in a wafer packet. Instances of fungus on bread and insects in flour have also become increasingly common, raising serious concerns about the safety of packaged food — even from reputed brands.

In Bengaluru, 45% of the 9,035 residents surveyed reported similar experiences. A majority (57%) said they would stop purchasing products from the brand entirely, while 23% said they would avoid only the specific product. An overwhelming 84% urged regulatory authorities like the FSSAI and state food departments to increase audits and inspections across the food supply chain.

This sentiment was echoed nationwide, with 59% of respondents saying they would boycott the brand altogether after experiencing infested food. Only 11% said their buying habits would remain unchanged.

Dr Arvind Kasthuri, Professor of Community Health at St John's Medical College, explained that while the human gut is generally resilient, food-borne hazards —primarily infections and toxins — can overwhelm it.

"Infections often result from poor hygiene during food handling, while toxin-based dangers like harmful additives are harder to regulate consistently. Insect residue in food is common and not necessarily harmful, but it becomes a concern when it exceeds permissible limits,” he noted.

Nutritionist Sheela Krishnaswamy added that many ultra-processed packaged foods are high in salt, sugar, and fat, but low in fibre and essential nutrients.

“Relying on such foods can lead to constipation, gut health issues, weight gain, and chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension,” she warned. She clarified that her concerns apply mainly to ready-to-eat processed items like chips, noodles, and cookies — not to household staples like rice or dal.

Consumers like Radhika, an IT professional, have a different take.

She said that while she doesn’t actively avoid packaged food, she checks for common signs of spoilage — such as damaged or puffed-up packaging — before buying. “I’m not highly concerned about it, as I have not personally experienced any health issues from packaged food,” she added.

The survey findings have been submitted to the Ministry of Health and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), urging stricter enforcement and improved food safety practices.

Scene in Bengaluru 

9,035 residents surveyed.

57% (majority) say they would stop purchasing products from the brand entirely, if found to contain unsafe food. 

23% say they would avoid only the specific product.

84% urge regulatory authorities like the FSSAI and state food departments to increase audits and inspections across the food supply chain.