They're considered a delicacy in parts of Africa, Asia and South America but an Auckland man found nothing mouthwatering about a deep-fried cicada served up in his McDonald's fries.
Devon Turei, a 25-year-old film production runner, ordered a takeaway combo meal at a McDonald's in Auckland's Grey Lynn last Tuesday, and was about halfway through his meal when he discovered the insect.
"I looked down and there was a ginormous deep-fried cicada in my chips," he said. "It was perfectly formed, about the size of my thumb. Not a little baby."
He took photographs back to the restaurant, and was given a refund. "They had no explanation at all. They were just like `Oh my gosh'."
Turei said he was "totally disturbed" by the cicada and threw up later that night. "I'm a fast food kid, I love it, but I won't be going back." He had not had time to return the meal to the restaurant as he had been busy at work.
Turei has been advised by the Auckland District Health Board to put the cicada and fries in his freezer until tomorrow, when they will pick up his unconventional meal and investigate.
McDonald's managing director Mark Hawthorne said the company was concerned by Turei's claim, but as he had not yet returned the meal, they had not been able to investigate fully.
"However, we have checked and reviewed pest control measures at our Grey Lynn restaurant and can confirm that the restaurant is clean, tidy and there is no evidence of any pests on-site.
"Any kitchen area in Auckland is susceptible to insects in this tropical-type weather, and we are being extra vigilant around closing doors and windows and have advised all restaurants to take this action throughout New Zealand." Last month, a Whangarei teenager claimed to have found maggots in his Big Mac, but an investigation was inconclusive.
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