Woolworths maggots: what happened in Gqeberha and what shoppers should know

Everyone in South Africa is talking about the shocking video showing woolworths maggots found inside a piece of rotisserie chicken, which has caused a huge stir because people usually trust this store for the best quality food. This topic is trending because Woolworths is known as a high-end shop where things are supposed to be extra clean, so seeing live worms in their meat has left many customers feeling disgusted and worried about what they are eating. It has sparked a massive debate on social media about food safety standards in our local supermarkets and whether we are really getting what we pay for.

Key details about the woolworths chicken incident

• The incident took place at a Woolworths store located in Gqeberha, which many people still call Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape.
• A customer recorded a video after purchasing a pack of cooked rotisserie chicken and discovering live maggots crawling inside the meat once they opened it at home.
• The video went viral on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) during the first week of September 2026, reaching thousands of people within a few hours.
• Woolworths South Africa had to quickly release a public statement to address the outrage, saying they are deeply concerned and have started a full investigation.
• The store management at the Gqeberha branch reportedly removed all the chicken batches from the shelves as a precaution while they checked their heaters and storage areas.
• Health inspectors and food safety experts have been called in to see if the problem came from the supplier or if the chicken was kept at the wrong temperature in the store.

Simple full summary of the story

Yoh, the news about the woolworths maggots has really upset a lot of people across the country because we always say “Woolies is the best.” For years, South Africans have looked at Woolworths as the gold standard for fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals. But this week, that reputation took a bit of a knock after a video showed live worms inside their famous grilled chicken. People are sharing the video everywhere, and it has made many shoppers think twice before picking up a quick dinner from the deli section. You can see more about what is happening with other hot topics on our trending news page to stay updated.

According to the latest reports, the customer who bought the chicken was completely grossed out and immediately posted the proof online. Woolworths didn’t waste time and came out to say they take food hygiene very seriously. They explained that they have strict rules for how food is cooked and kept warm, but somehow, something went wrong this time. Some experts are saying that maggots usually appear when meat is left out or not kept at a high enough temperature to kill bacteria and flies. You can read more about food safety guidelines on the Department of Health website to know your rights as a consumer.

This whole situation has turned into a big lesson for both the shops and the customers. Woolworths is now busy checking all their branches to make sure this doesn’t happen again, especially since they charge premium prices. Even though they offered the customer a refund and an apology, the public is still asking for more transparency. It just goes to show that no matter how big a brand is, they have to be careful with hygiene every single day. For now, everyone is keeping a close eye on their “Woolies” treats before taking a bite.

Frequently asked questions about the Woolworths maggot story

1. Which Woolworths store was involved in the maggot video?

The incident was reported at a Woolworths branch in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The company has since checked the store to ensure it meets health standards.

2. Did Woolworths give the customer a refund?

Yes, Woolworths usually offers a full refund or a replacement for any product that does not meet their quality standards, and they have reached out to the affected customer in this case.

3. How did maggots get into cooked chicken?

Food experts suggest that if the chicken is not kept at a high enough temperature (above 60 degrees Celsius) in the warming drawer, flies can lay eggs on it, which then hatch into maggots very quickly.

4. Is it still safe to buy food at Woolworths?

Woolworths says they are doing everything to make sure their food is safe. They have reinforced their food safety protocols at all stores to prevent this from happening again.

5. What should I do if I find something wrong with my food?

You should take the product back to the store with your receipt as soon as possible. You can also report the matter to the National Consumer Commission if the store does not help you.

6. Has this happened before at Woolworths?

While there have been isolated complaints in the past, a viral video like this is quite rare for the brand, which is why it became such a big trending topic so fast.