An actress has expressed her shock after discovering live maggots in a container of sesame seeds, raising serious concerns about food safety and quality assurance standards. Ernestine Morrison, known for her role in the film “Beyond the Gates,” posted a video on Instagram earlier this week, detailing her unsettling find in an unopened package of McCormick sesame seeds she purchased from her local Publix supermarket.
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In her video, Morrison was visibly appalled as she showcased the container to her followers. “So Publix and/or McCormick count your days. I just bought these sesame seeds, as you can see, still unopened, lid still on,” she stated emphatically, urging viewers to closely inspect the contents. “Look close … what do y’all see? Maggots. Maggots crawling around, still alive,” she affirmed, highlighting the disturbing nature of her discovery. The actor confirmed that the expiration date on the seeds was not until January 2028, providing little comfort given the circumstances.
The unsettling incident prompted Morrison to tag both Publix and McCormick Spices in her post, urging them to take notice of her alarming encounter. McCormick responded to her directly on social media, emphasising their commitment to food quality and safety. They requested Morrison to send them a direct message so they could assist her further, though no additional details were immediately available.

The video has since gone viral, eliciting a flurry of reactions from viewers, with many expressing their own concerns about food safety practices. Comments flooded in, including someone stating, “Omg … now I’m gonna be checking my seasonings before I purchase them … new fear unlocked.” Another commentator added, “Imagine if the container wasn’t clear,” highlighting the potential risks associated with opaque packaging.
Morrison’s experience has led many to re-evaluate their own food-checking habits. Viewers acknowledged that they rarely inspect the contents of their seasoning jars, especially when purchasing products that are sealed and seemingly safe. The incident sheds light on the importance of vigilance in food safety, particularly in light of past issues related to food contamination.
This latest incident at McCormick follows a voluntary recall by the company in July 2021, during which four different seasonings were pulled from shelves due to potential salmonella contamination. The recalled items included McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, as well as Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning, among others. The FDA indicated that the recall was initiated as a result of routine testing, despite no illnesses being reported at that time.
Salmonella is a bacterial infection known to cause a range of ailments, including diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps, which can be contracted through consumption of contaminated food or exposure to infected animals. This highlights the critical nature of stringent food safety measures that companies like McCormick and retailers like Publix are expected to uphold.
As of now, both McCormick and Publix, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have not issued further statements regarding the specific incident involving Morrison. Food safety experts often advise consumers to carefully inspect food items before use, reinforcing the notion that even products which appear sealed can still pose risks.
The unsettling discovery by Ernestine Morrison serves as a stark reminder of the potential challenges within food supply chains. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant regarding food safety and to report any suspicious findings to manufacturers or health authorities. As discussions surrounding food safety continue to evolve, this incident is likely to heighten awareness and encourage better practices among both consumers and food producers alike.
