Denmark has recalled spicy South Korean instant noodles over dangerously high heat levels
Denmark’s food agency has recalled three varieties of instant noodle products from a popular South Korean food manufacturer, saying the noodles’ high spice levels may cause “acute poisoning” in those who consume it. The noodles are made by Seoul-based Samyang Foods, the first instant ramen company in South Korea, and sold globally. The recalled products include Buldak Samyang 3 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Buldak Samyang 2 x Spicy & Hot Chicken and Buldak Samyang Hot Chicken Stew.
In a statement made Tuesday, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said the three products contain dangerous levels of capsaicin, the active ingredient in chile peppers that can also be a neurotoxin and pose several health risks. The level in a single packet of the noodles was “so high that they pose a risk of the consumer developing acute poisoning,” Danish food authorities said.
Consumers are advised to discard the products if they have them or return them to the store where they were purchased. Authorities also issued a special warning for children, urging parents to contact the Poison Line if their children developed “acute symptoms” after consuming the noodles.
This is the first time Samyang Foods’ products have been recalled because they were considered too spicy. “We will closely study local regulations while responding to this recall measure,” the company said, per the Associated Press.
Samyang Foods’ line of instant ramen has gone viral across TikTok — so much so, that product shortages were reported within the US.
