A routine television promotion for a supermarket chain has transformed into a public relations problem after viewers spotted something unsettling in a Kroger broadcast advertisement. The 15-second spot, which began airing on 12 March 2026 and promoted a ribeye steak and rib roast offer, prompted a wave of complaints after viewers reported seeing insects crawling on the surface of the meat in the footage.
The clip circulated rapidly across TikTok and Instagram, prompting questions about the brand's quality control and how the footage passed inspection before broadcast. The incident arrives at a moment of heightened scrutiny for the grocery giant, which is separately facing a false advertising lawsuit over its meat marketing practices filed in a California court in late March.
