COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Danish food authorities have issued a recall for three varieties of spicy instant noodles imported from South Korea due to concerns of “acute poisoning.” Consumers are advised to either discard the products or return them to the retailer. These noodles, produced by Seoul-based Samyang Foods, are widely distributed globally and include the Buldak Samyang 3 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Buldak Samyang 2 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Buldak Samyang Hot Chicken Stew.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration discovered that these products contain a high level of capsaicin, an active compound found in chili peppers that can act as a neurotoxin and pose health risks. The agency highlighted that children and teenagers in Denmark have been daring each other on social media to consume these “extremely strong” noodles, leading to the recall.
According to Henrik Dammand Nielsen of the Danish Food and Drug Administration, children, frail adults, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to symptoms such as burning sensations, discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure. In response to these risks, the agency has instructed retailers to remove the products from their shelves.
Samyang, the manufacturer of the recalled noodles, acknowledged that the Danish authorities’ actions were not related to product quality but stemmed from concerns about the spiciness of the products. Despite the noodles being exported worldwide, this is the first instance of a recall being mandated in any market.
Spicy food challenges have been popular for years, with individuals daring each other to consume exceptionally fiery dishes. In a tragic incident, a teenager in Massachusetts passed away after participating in a spicy tortilla chip challenge, underscoring the potential dangers of extreme food challenges.
In light of the recall in Denmark, it is crucial for parents to be aware of the risks posed by these highly spiced noodle varieties. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration responded to a concerned consumer’s inquiry, leading to a lab assessment that determined the potential harm of the three recalled noodle brands. As a result, the recall was initiated to protect public health.