Denmark says Korean instant noodles are too spicy to eat safely | food

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration recalls Samyang instant noodles due to the risk of ‘acute poisoning’.

Denmark has banned several varieties of a popular South Korean brand of instant noodles for being too spicy, warning consumers that spicy food poses a risk of poisoning.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said on Tuesday it recalled noodles produced by Samyang Foods because its chili levels are “so high that they pose a risk for the consumer to develop acute poisoning.”

The decision means that Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken and Hot Chicken Stew instant ramen varieties can no longer be sold in Danish stores.

The food regulator said consumers who purchased the products should discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased.

“Chili in large quantities poses a risk to children and, in particular, to fragile adults. Possible symptoms include burning and discomfort, nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure,” said Henrik Dammand Nielsen, head of the agency’s Food Chemistry and Quality Division.

“So we are now demanding that stores remove the products from their shelves.”

An extreme number of stars can provide a gift rate. Nudelretter, the registered brand which is extremely strong, cannot make big sales as it is wasteful and there is a risk of being forgiven. Products sold under bla. navnet Samyang Buldak 3X Spicy #dkfood #dkbiz

“Could it be… pic.twitter.com/jKAfeOKrXn

– Fødevarestyrelsen (@Foedevare) June 11, 2024

Nielsen said the capsicium levels in the noodles were even higher than those found in chili chips, which led to several cases of poisoning among children in Germany.

“It is therefore important for parents to be aware of extreme noodle variants and avoid them,” he said.

The announcement sparked a series of amusing reactions on social media, including jokes about Danish people’s lack of tolerance for spicy food.

Danish cuisine is not known for its use of spices. Traditional dishes include poached cod, open-faced sandwiches and meatballs known as frikadeller.

Seoul-based Samyang Foods did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

South Korea’s instant noodle exports have seen double-digit annual growth in recent years, which local media attributed to the explosive popularity of Korean dramas and films abroad.

Samyang Foods was responsible for the majority of exports, which reached US$270 million in the first three months of 2024.

South Korean ramen makers’ international sales hit a record $108.6 million in April, an increase of nearly 50% from the same period a year earlier, according to the Korea Customs Service.