Man goes to Panda Express buffet. Then he notices something unusual in the beef: ‘He having the time of his life’

A trip to Panda Express took an unexpected turn when a customer spotted something unusual. He noticed a flying insect buzzing around one of the dishes. TikTok had some questions about food safety.

TikToker LilJayMuney (@bluedreamfc) shared the seconds-long video. It quickly caught the attention of viewers online, gaining over 144,300 views as of Friday. Many debated whether it was an unfortunate one-off incident or a concern over the food safety standards of the restaurant.

What happened at the Panda Express buffet?

In the viral TikTok, Jay zoomed in on what appeared to be a tray of pepper steak. A small insect can be seen buzzing around and repeatedly landing on the food.

Although the clip is brief, the bug is visible enough for viewers to notice. 

The creator is not shown interacting with anyone or alerting employees.

However, the video abruptly ended, leaving viewers with questions.

People made jokes

In true internet fashion, many viewers added a bit of humor.

“Gnat’s having the time of his life,” wrote one user.

They even made the bug an unofficial employee.

@itsamadmadwor587 joked, “That’s their little food inspector.” 

Meanwhile, some viewers shared their own Panda Express questionable food experiences.

“The steak at my local panda wasn’t even cooked,” said one user.

Another commenter said they allegedly found fly eggs in their beef and broccoli the previous month, adding that they would “never again” eat there.

However, most took the situation more seriously.

“You have got to put the address down, time, and date, we need the food inspector to follow up and we have to protect the public,” one user stated.

Has Panda Express faced food safety concerns before?

The viral bug video is not the first time the food franchise has faced scrutiny.

Over the years, several locations have received violations involving food safety practices.

In June 2025, a health inspection at a Panda Express in Glen Carbon, Illinois, cited the restaurant for several food-safety issues. This included failing to keep food in a safe condition and failing to protect food from cross-contamination. Inspectors also cited the location for food-handler practices and handwashing supplies.

What does food safety guidance say about insects?

An insect on food is more than just an unpleasant sight.

According to the 2022 FDA Code, food establishments should maintain a pest- and insect-free environment. They note that insects and rodents carry pathogens that can contaminate food.

Additionally, in its guidance on food sanitation, the FDA specifically identifies live insects in areas where food could become contaminated as a situation that can warrant regulatory attention.

The FDA Food Code provides a model enforcement framework under which regulators can require violations to be corrected. If not remediated, civil penalties can be imposed. Penalties can range from suspension of the restaurant’s permit to closure or court action.

Should the customer have reported the incident?

A common comment was that Jay should have notified a restaurant employee.

“Did you tell the manager?” @Eric Z asked.

Another commenter agreed that Jay should have reported the problem. They added that would allow the restaurant to throw away the contaminated food and make a new batch.

@bluedreamfc #pandaexpress ♬ original sound – LilJayMuney

Is the flying insect enough to swear off Panda Express?

A few viewers weren’t turned off and even defended the restaurant.

“You understand eating ANYWHERE including your own home can have flies gnats bugs especially things that are out in the open while a drive through window constantly opens and shuts and front doors and back doors open and close all day long,” said user Jen Sievers.

“It’s just a gnat they can’t help that,” another stated.

But for many, it underscored that the restaurant’s food safety was not up to code. 

For those TikTokers, the pepper steak with a side of buzzing insect served as another reason to “cook at home”.

The Mary Sue reached out for comment to Panda Express via email and LilJayMuney via TikTok direct message.

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