A pensioner has vowed never to buy fruit from Aldi again after he almost ate a caterpillar.

The 70-year-old - who regularly shops at Aldi in Victoria Road, Ashford - was alarmed to find the insect inside a packet of seedless black grapes on Sunday.

He almost placed the caterpillar into his mouth but noticed it just before it passed his lips.

The customer, who lives in Stanhope and did not want to be named, said: "I went shopping in Aldi and bought some grapes.

"I started cooking my dinner and I felt a bit peckish so I went to eat some grapes and noticed this caterpillar. I nearly put it in my mouth.

"I was shocked. I took it to my son's house and he looked it up and said it could be poisonous.

"I usually shop at Aldi once a week but I won't buy any fruit from Aldi again."

According to nature experts, the caterpillar is a Lobesia Botrana, which is not poisonous.

The species is native to Europe but it is also found across the world.

Since contacting Aldi's customer care team, the shopper has been offered a full refund for the item, as well as a £5 voucher.

But he says he is not satisfied with the service and will no longer buy fruit from the store.

He added: "A refund and a £5 voucher isn't enough - the products should be checked when they come over here.

"What would happen if I ate it or a child put it in their mouth?

"And they think they can offer me silly money like that."

An Aldi spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, although these instances are rare, this can happen with products that are grown outdoors in natural conditions.

"We have apologised to the customer and have shared his feedback with our supplier.”

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