FoodKorean noodles too spicy for Denmark: Health risk prompts recall

Korean noodles too spicy for Denmark: Health risk prompts recall

Instant soups withdrawn by the Danish Food Agency
Instant soups withdrawn by the Danish Food Agency
Images source: © Pixabay

12 June 2024 16:27

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has withdrawn popular Korean instant noodles because they may threaten consumer health or safety. Which specific products are involved?

The noodles mentioned in the communiqué are prevalent on social media. Due to their very spicy taste, internet users participate in challenges where they eat them in front of cameras.

Denmark has withdrawn Korean instant noodles from sale

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) announced in the latest communiqué that popular Korean instant noodles are too spicy. Experts have determined that their consumption can result in severe intoxication and thus negatively affect health and well-being. According to DVFA, the warning covers three types of instant ramen noodles from South Korea's Samyang company:

  • Buldak 3x Spicy Hot Chicken
  • 2x Spicy Hot Chicken
  • Hot Chicken Stew

The Danish food agency warns against the consumption of products officially recognized as dangerous and calls on consumers to return the mentioned products in the communiqué to stores. BBC reports that it is uncertain whether specific incidents prompted Danish authorities to take action.

Popular instant soups from the Korean company were withdrawn from sale in Denmark
Popular instant soups from the Korean company were withdrawn from sale in Denmark© Adobe Stock

Instant noodles too spicy. Risk of intoxication development

Before DVFA decided to withdraw the products from sale, it thoroughly analysed their compositions. It indicated that the capsaicin level in each listed product exceeds the safety norm for health. According to experts, this poses a risk for customers' severe intoxication, especially in the case of children.

What is capsaicin? It is a natural substance found, among other things, in chilli peppers, responsible for their hot, burning taste. It acts on pain receptors, causing a sensation of burning and spiciness in the mouth.

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