The sesame seeds, allegedly purchased at Publix, have a Jan. 2028 expiration date
Credit: mrsernestinemorrison/Instagram
NEED TO KNOW
- Actress Ernestine Morrison says she found live maggots in an unopened McCormick sesame seed container purchased from Publix
- The sesame seeds had an expiration date of January 2028, prompting concerns about food safety and quality control
- McCormick Spices recalled four seasonings due to potential Salmonella back in July 2021
A woman has been left disgusted after discovering live maggots inside a container of sesame seeds.
In an Instagram video shared on Friday, Aug. 21, actress Ernestine Morrison revealed that she found maggots “crawling around” in an unopened pack of McCormick sesame seeds she recently bought from her local grocery store.
“So Publix and/or McCormick count your days. I just bought these sesame seeds, as you can see, still unopened, lid still on,” said the Beyond the Gates star, 39, while showing the container of sesame seeds up close to the camera.
“Look close … what do y’all see? Maggots. Maggots crawling around, still alive,” she continued. “…Maggots inside of the sesame seeds.”
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Morrison showed that the sesame seeds’ expiration date wasn’t until January 2028.
“It’s not for another two years. Gross,” she said, tagging Publix and McCormick Spices.
McCormick Spices responded to Morrison, “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Food quality and safety are very important to us. Please send us a DM with your contact information so we can better assist you.”
Thousands of viewers shared their reaction to the shocking discovery in the comment section of the video.
“Omg … now I’m gonna be checking my seasonings before I purchase them … new fear unlocked,” one person wrote.
“Imagine if the container wasn’t clear ,” another commented.
“Omg I never look at my seasoning jar but will from now on!” a third wrote.
McCormick & Company, Publix and the FDA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Credit: The Baltimore Sun/TNS/Sipa USA
The discovery comes after McCormick & Company voluntarily recalled four seasonings in July 2021, due to possible contamination with salmonella.
The recalled items were McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning 1.31 oz bottle and 2.25 oz bottle, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning.
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever and stomach pains, per Cleveland Clinic. It is contracted from contaminated food and animals.
The potential risk was detected during routine testing of the products, the FDA said in a press release. No illnesses were reported at the time of the recall.
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