Denmark Issues Recall On Korean Noodles Due To Poisoning Risk

Denmark issues recall on Korean noodles due to poisoning risk

Samyang says there's no problem with the quality of the food. Photo Credit: Samyang

Denmark has issued a recall for various spicy ramen noodle products from the South Korean business Samyang, expressing worries that high capsaicin levels could cause severe poisoning in customers.

One of the active ingredients of chilli peppers, which are plants in the genus Capsicum, is capsaicin. For mammals, including humans, it is a chemical irritant and neurotoxic that causes burning sensations in any tissue it comes into contact with.

According to the BBC report, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has targeted three specific flavors of Samyang’s instant ramen for withdrawal: Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Hot Chicken Stew. The agency released a statement on Tuesday, June 11, urging consumers to discard the products or return them to the place of purchase.

The Danish Food Authority has issued a warning, highlighting the possible risk to children concerning the high quantities of capsaicin in these noodles, which could “pose a risk of the consumer developing acute poisoning”.

“If you have the products, you should discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased,” the agency emphasised in a statement.

Several spice lovers are said to be surprised by the recall, which has prompted a spirited internet debate. Some have questioned the Danes’ tolerance for spice, with one well-known Reddit comment raising this issue.

While Samyang maintains that there are no quality issues with their noodles, they acknowledge the Danish recall. In a statement to the BBC the company noted, “We understand that the Danish food authority recalled the products, not because of a problem in their quality but because they were too spicy. The products are being exported globally. But this is the first time they have been recalled for the above reason.”

Samyang added that this is the first instance of such a recall, even though their products are distributed worldwide.