Discovering something unusual in your salad can be unsettling—especially when it looks like a small cluster of brown beads nestled among your lettuce leaves.

While surprising, it’s not entirely uncommon to come across something that could be insect eggs in your greens. Whether you’re dining out or prepping a salad at home, here’s what you should know.

Could They Be Insect Eggs?

If you notice small, round, brownish spheres clumped together on a leaf, there’s a chance you’re looking at insect eggs. These eggs often come from bugs that feed on foliage—such as stink bugs—and are typically laid in neat clusters on the underside of leafy vegetables.

Lettuce, spinach, and other greens can occasionally carry these unnoticed through harvesting and packaging. Insects tend to lay their eggs in very specific, geometric patterns, which makes them stand out—once you know what to look for.

Are They Harmful?

Accidentally eating insect eggs is usually not dangerous, but they’re definitely not meant to be part of your meal. The bigger concern here is food safety and cleanliness. Their presence can indicate that the greens weren’t properly washed or checked before being served.

If you come across something suspicious in your salad—especially in a restaurant or salad bar—here’s what to do:

• Stop eating immediately. Don’t continue with your meal if you suspect bug eggs are present.

• Take a clear photo of what you found, both for your own documentation and to show to the staff.

• Let the staff know calmly and politely. Most reputable places will take your concern seriously and may offer a new dish or refund.

• Contact your local health department if you feel the issue is recurring or not being taken seriously.

• If you’re at home, thoroughly inspect and rinse any remaining greens under running water before consuming.

How to Avoid Insect Eggs in the Future

Even pre-washed greens can sometimes pass through quality checks without catching every contaminant. To reduce the chances of finding insect eggs in your salad:

• Always scan your greens before eating, particularly leafy varieties like romaine, spinach, or butter lettuce.

• Rinse even “triple-washed” greens at home as an extra safety step—this helps remove anything that might’ve been missed in processing.

• Be cautious with organic produce. While organic greens are a healthy choice, they often come from fields where fewer pesticides are used, making them more prone to insect activity. Make sure to clean them thoroughly.

While finding insect eggs in your salad is unsettling, it’s usually harmless if caught in time. Staying vigilant about inspecting and washing your greens—whether store-bought or organic—can help ensure your salad stays as fresh and clean as it looks.