Ikea India Speaks Up After Caterpillar Surprise
The Swedish furniture giant’s newest Hyderabad outlet has gone from a display of Swedish design to a headline-worthy scare when a local diner discovered a live caterpillar in his rice at the in‑house restaurant.
Grand Opening Turns Unexpected
- Hyderabad launch celebrated with fanfare last month.
- India’s growing middle class will soon be served by 25 Ikea stores by 2025.
- One‑thousand‑seat restaurant attracted a hungry crowd.
What Went Wrong
Customer Abeed Mohammad shared a picture on Twitter showing the unexpected intruder in his vegetable biryani – a moment that caught everyone’s eye.
After collecting food samples, authorities reached out to Ikea and the food supplier involved.
Regulatory Actions
- Ikea fined 11,500 rupees (S$222) for using plastic covers on dishes.
- Additional fine for failing to separate waste.
Ikea’s Response
Ikea India issued an apology, noting the incident was “unfortunate” and promising a thorough investigation.
“We have the strictest guidelines for food safety and quality,” the company said. “Health and safety are paramount to us.”
While the caterpillar was a shocking surprise, the swift response from Ikea and the regulatory bodies underscores a commitment to ensuring a safe experience for all diners.
