WARNING: Graphic content
Coles supermarket has launched an urgent investigation after a customer reported a disturbing discovery in a can of chickpeas.
The shopper claimed they found part of a baby rat in the popular buy, sharing confronting footage of the alarming find on social media.
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WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Coles shopper finds ‘baby rat’ in can of chickpeas
Video shows the customer – who uses the handle @ecoenigma0 – draining the tin of chickpeas, revealing what appears to be the rat’s tail and half its body in the liquid among the chickpeas.
Speaking to 7NEWS.com.au, the South Australian shopper said they were disturbed by the discovery.
“I was horrified, I use these almost every day and was about to make my salad but it’s ruined my day,” he said.
He went on to say that he spotted the grisly find as soon as he opened up the can.
“Yes it was on top,” he said. “Looks like it’s half a rat – other half must be in other cans.”
The shopper said he’d already reached out to Coles about the matter, and was waiting to hear back.
He added that he was desperate to make sure that “no one get sick eating from same batch.”
Coles responds
A Coles spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that the supermarket is looking into the issue with its supplier – agreeing that the foreign matter should have been identified and removed.
“Food safety is paramount at Coles,” the spokesperson said.
“We are concerned to hear about this customer’s experience and we are currently investigating with our supplier.
“Our suppliers take great care when processing products and include a team that conducts quality checks during processing. This item in question inside this product should have been identified and graded out at the time of processing.
“In this case, we have apologised to the customer for their experience.”
Coles customers are encouraged to return any item they’re not 100 per cent happy with to their nearest store for a full refund or replacement.
Social media users were quick to voice their concern over the discovery.
“Bruh, I eat these chick peas all the time,” said one.
Added another: “In chick peas!?!?! Is literally anything safe anymore, OMG.”
A third wrote: “I have a few of these in the pantry and I’m in Adelaide, so I’ll go check tomorrow.”
One more added: “I have now unlocked a new fear from canned chick peas.”
Another said: “What the hell.”