A man in Stourbridge, England got an unexpected surprise after buying broccoli from Aldi. Neville Linton, 63, discovered a snake in the bag of vegetables when he went to cook dinner a few days later. “It was quite awful,” he recalled, admitting he’s not good with snakes. Fortunately, he managed to contain it before any harm was done, especially with vulnerable family members at home.
The snake, identified later as a viperine water snake, likely hitchhiked from southwestern Europe, where such species are common.
Dr. Steven J. R. Allain, a herpetologist, disagreed with the initial zoo identification, confirming it as harmless to humans. Despite the shock, Neville is seeking more compensation from Aldi, emphasizing the potential risks involved.
Aldi responded, expressing regret and ensuring their processes are under review. The incident sparked varied reactions locally.
