If a standard lettuce leaf (*Lactuca sativa*) has insect tunnels, is the entire leaf automatically unsafe to eat?

Answer

No, provided the larvae are removed, the surrounding intact tissue remains edible.

Biologically, the tunnels only indicate consumed or damaged tissue; the surrounding green area remains edible if the insect and damaged material are removed.

If a standard lettuce leaf (*Lactuca sativa*) has insect tunnels, is the entire leaf automatically unsafe to eat?
foodpestlettuceleaf miner