A Nottingham man's Friday night treat turned into a terrifying ordeal, leading him to swear off takeaways for good. Ben Johns, 34, was enjoying a Chicken Tikka Masala from his local Indian restaurant when his teeth struck something impossibly hard.
The shocking discovery? A rusty, one-inch metal screw was baked into his meal, narrowly avoiding a serious dental disaster or internal injury.
A Bite That Changed Everything
"I felt this massive crunch and immediately knew it wasn't a piece of chicken or spice," Ben recounted. "I spat it out into my hand and was just horrified. It was a large, grubby screw. The thought of what could have happened if I'd swallowed it makes me feel sick."
His initial excitement for the meal from Royal Indian Cuisine instantly evaporated, replaced by panic and disgust. He promptly reported the incident to both the restaurant and the local environmental health authority, triggering an official investigation.
The Restaurant's Response
While the takeaway expressed regret, their explanation did little to reassure. They claimed the foreign object must have come from a manufacturing plant, defrosting within the pre-prepared sauce pouch they used.
This defence has raised serious questions about the quality control and hygiene practices of suppliers that many restaurants rely on. It highlights a potential blind spot in food safety, where responsibility is passed down the chain.
A Warning to Takeaway Lovers Everywhere
This isn't just an isolated gross-out story; it's a stark public health warning. Ben's experience serves as a chilling reminder to be vigilant.
What can you do?
- Inspect your food: Take a moment to look over your meal before diving in.
- Choose reputable establishments: Opt for takeaways with high hygiene ratings visible online.
- Report incidents immediately: Contact the restaurant and your local council's environmental health team.
Ben's parting words echo a newfound caution: "I used to love a takeaway, but now I'm too scared. I'll be cooking at home from now on. It's just not worth the risk." His story is a sobering lesson that sometimes, the greatest dangers come in the most delicious packages.
