Denmark's food safety agency has recently recalled several popular spicy Korean instant noodle products due to concerns over potential health risks.
AFP reports that the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration issued the recall on Tuesday, June 11, citing the risk of acute poisoning from high levels of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers.
The recall targets three specific products from Samyang Foods' well-known Buldak instant ramen line: Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Buldak 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Buldak Hot Chicken Stew.
These products are known for their intense spiciness, which has gained them a significant following worldwide.
Denmark's food safety agency recalls popular Korean instant noodles over concerns of high capsaicin levels posing acute poisoning risks, leaving the Korean food industry perplexed.Image via Samyang
Denmark Recalls Korean Spicy Noodles Due to Acute Poisoning Risks
The Danish food agency's assessment found that the capsaicin levels in a single packet of these noodles are alarmingly high. The DTU Food Institute, part of the Technical University of Denmark, stated that these levels pose a risk of acute poisoning.
Symptoms of such poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Capsaicin, in high doses, can also lead to more severe health issues such as high blood pressure.
The recall notice emphasizes that "the level in a single packet of the noodles is so high that they pose a risk of the consumer developing acute poisoning." The agency specifically warns parents to keep these products away from children, advising them to contact the Poison Line if their child shows any acute symptoms after consumption.
Consumers in Denmark who have purchased these products are advised to either discard them or return them to the store for a refund. The Danish food agency's statement urged, "If you have the products, you should discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased."
Samyang Foods, a prominent South Korean food company, responded to the recall by expressing their surprise and intention to comply with local regulations. This marks the first instance of their products being recalled due to spiciness.
The Korea Times reports that the Korean food industry appears to be quite perplexed by the recall decision. An industry official, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed uncertainty about the validity of the Danish regulations regarding capsaicin levels and the threshold for classifying spiciness as potentially hazardous.
The official emphasized the need for meticulous recall decisions, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue for food businesses.
Samyang's Buldak noodles have become a global sensation, especially popular in Western countries. The company reported a record operating profit of over $110 million in 2023, largely attributed to the success of its spicy noodle line.
The brand gained additional popularity through social media challenges, such as the "Spicy Noodle Challenge" on YouTube, and celebrity endorsements, with stars like Cardi B sharing their love for the product and eventually boosting sales.
