We ordered a salad, but there were tiny black specks in the food, we went straight to the hospital

Certainly. Here’s a cautionary, informative article inspired by the dramatic headline:

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## “We Ordered a Salad, but There Were Tiny Black Specks in the Food — We Went Straight to the Hospital”

What was meant to be a healthy meal turned into a medical emergency — and it’s a cautionary tale worth sharing.

A couple recently shared their alarming experience after ordering a seemingly innocent salad from a local restaurant. Upon closer inspection, they noticed **tiny black specks** scattered throughout the greens. At first, they thought it might be cracked pepper or a seasoning blend. But moments after eating, one of them began experiencing **nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath**.

Out of an abundance of caution, they rushed to the emergency room. The cause? **Contaminated greens — with tiny insects or possibly mold spores** that weren’t visible to the naked eye until after they had already taken a few bites.

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### What Could Those Black Specks Be?

Tiny black specks in salads could be harmless — or not. Here are a few possibilities:

#### 1. **Pepper or Seasoning**

Sometimes the simplest answer is correct. Cracked black pepper or dried herbs may look like specks, especially in dim lighting.

#### 2. **Soil or Grit**

Improperly washed greens may still contain bits of dirt, which can appear as dark specks.

#### 3. **Fungal Growth or Mold Spores**

If produce isn’t stored properly, it can develop **black mold spots**, which may not be obvious until you look closely.

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