The buyer allegedly made the grim discovery in a Tesco pre-cooked entire hen.
An investigation is underway after claims a “parasitic worm” was found in hen bought from a Scots Tesco grocery store.
The discovery was allegedly made in a Tesco pre-cooked entire hen by Donald Cameron, 54, final October. The meat was bought from the grocery store big’s Inverness Ness Side Superstore.
Speaking to the Inverness Courier, Donald mentioned: “Last October, I bought a cooked chicken from Tesco during the power cut. Just as I was finishing off my portion, I pulled a bit of the breast apart and saw a parasitic worm that had gone right through the chicken breast.
“I grew up in a rural community, beside a farm, and I have seen these things before. I know what a devastating health effect they can have. It was just disgusting – absolutely rank.
“You could see the wee holes and bruising where the worm had burrowed through the flesh.”
He added: “I’ve spoken to environmental health and they are investigating it now.”
However, Tesco has mentioned the picture reveals a blood vessel, which is a standard characteristic of poultry, including that “while this can look unpleasant, it is harmless if eaten”.
It is known Tesco supplied Donald £100 as a goodwill gesture, which he rejected. The matter is now being investigated by Highland Council’s Environmental Health group.
A spokesperson for the native authority mentioned: “We can confirm that a complaint was lodged with The Highland Council on January 26, 2026 re this matter and it is currently under investigation by Environmental Health.”
A spokesperson for Tesco mentioned: “We’re sorry to listen to about Mr Cameron’s expertise after elevating a priority with a product. We work carefully with our suppliers to make sure there are strong high quality procedures in place for all merchandise we promote.
“We have apologised to Mr Cameron and supplied him a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience prompted.
“Our Technical team have reviewed this with our supplier. The image shows a small, naturally occurring blood vessel, which is a normal feature of Poultry. While this can look unpleasant, it is harmless if eaten.”