While Graham was appreciative of Peppermayo’s eventual offer of a refund, full replacement of her order, and $100 in store credit, she was surprised by the brand’s initial response.
“It wasn’t just a faulty item. It was extremely unhygienic and shocking – especially considering it was brand-new clothing.
“Finding live insects and eggs in a brand-new clothing item is something I never expected.”
When she shared her experience to TikTok, other shoppers expressed their disgust in the comments, with several claiming the brand had been deleting their social media feedback.
Peppermayo initially commented on Graham’s video claiming it was likely a “courier issue”, but reassured consumers the incident was being investigated.
Several other TikTok users encouraged the disgusted shopper to raise her concerns with New Zealand’s biosecurity officials, prompting Graham to contact the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Laboratory testing of the larvae evaluated the local risk as minimal after determining the bugs were likely an Australian ant species already present in the country.
Carolyn Bleach, manager of MPI’s biosecurity surveillance and incursion investigation plant health team, told news.com.au unwanted organisms can still bypass New Zealand’s complex quarantine processes.
“Our biosecurity system consists of multiple layers to prevent unwanted pests entering the country”, she said.
“From time to time, pests can get through these defences. That’s why we run surveillance programmes and invest in public information, pest management and biosecurity responses.”
