What began as a routine grocery trip turned into a nightmare for British grandfather Neville Linton.
After buying broccoli from Aldi, he later unwrapped it at home and was horrified to find a live snake nestled among the florets.
Neville, who has a deep fear of snakes, said the discovery was “absolutely terrifying,” especially with his disabled
son and elderly mother-in-law in the house. At first, he thought it was an insect, but when it slithered,
he quickly called his sister, who confirmed it was a snake.
The reptile was safely contained and handed over to Dudley Zoo, where staff identified it as a young ladder
snake—a non-venomous species from southwestern Europe. Experts explained such incidents happen when snakes
are accidentally scooped up during crop harvesting and shipped with produce. While alarming,
specialists assured the public that ladder snakes pose no danger to humans.
Aldi apologized to Neville and his family, promising to investigate how the mishap occurred and stressing
their strict food safety standards. Neville, however, felt the offered compensation was inadequate, given the risk to his vulnerable relatives.
The snake, meanwhile, found a new permanent home at the zoo, where it will help educate visitors about wildlife.