Denmark Recalls Popular South Korean Spicy Noodles, Warns Public Of ‘Acute Poisoning’ Risk

Food tastes differ from one person to another. While some have a special fondness for sweet delicacies, others are more inclined towards spicy flavours. In terms of spicy foods, it is important to understand how spice levels can impact your body. Too much spice can affect health. Now, the Danish government has recalled three popular spicy noodles imported from Seoul-based Samyang Foods. As per the government, the food product can lead to the risk of acute poisoning. The authorities have advised consumers to avoid eating these noodles and return them to retailers.

According to a report by BBC, the noodles that are facing backlash include Buldak Samyang 3 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Buldak Samyang 2 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Buldak Samyang Hot Chicken Stew. Research has discovered that these noodles contain a high amount of capsaicin which is a chemical compound in chilli peppers. If not used in minimal quantities they have the potential to poison consumers.

As per the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration ((DVFA), capsaicin acts as a neurotoxin and can have adverse effects on health. Some symptoms of poisoning in children, immunity-compromised adults, and the elderly population are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, and diarrhoea.

“The DTU Food Institute assesses that the levels of total capsaicin in a single pack of all three noodle products are so high that they pose a risk that the consumer develops acute poisoning,” reported BBC as quoted by (DVFA).

Reacting to the latest development, Samyang, the official maker of the noodles, has challenged the claims of the (DVFA), reported BBC.

Addressing the issue in a statement, the company said, “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.”

Earlier in 2021, the Mexican government also ordered a recall of Buldak noodles for misleading customers with their labels. The reason behind the withdrawal of the noodles was that the product did not contain chicken despite being labelled as ‘hot chicken flavour ramen.’