The Danish government has issued a recall for three ramen noodle products made by South Korean company Samyang: Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Hot Chicken Stew. This action stems from concerns that the capsaicin levels in these products could potentially poison consumers.
Capsaicin, responsible for the spicy flavor in various hot sauces, can be harmful in large quantities, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, quoted by the BBC, stated on Tuesday, “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.”
“If you have the products, you should discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased,” the statement added.
According to The Korea Times, Danish authorities have advised parents to contact the Poison Line if their children show severe symptoms after consuming the noodles.
A representative from Samyang Foods told The Korea Times that the company was previously unaware of the Danish authorities’ decision and is currently looking into the issue.
The Danish government’s recall of the noodles due to their “excessive spiciness” is considered highly unusual, possibly unprecedented.
In a similar incident in 2021, Mexican authorities recalled Buldak noodles for misleading labeling, as the product did not contain chicken despite being marketed as “hot chicken flavor ramen.”
Samyang, a major food manufacturer in South Korea, prides itself on being the first company in the country to produce instant noodles, dating back to the 1960s.