Denmark recalls popular South Korean spicy noodles over 'acute poisoning' risks

These Buldak Samyang noodles produced by Seoul-based Samyang Foods are sold globally. (Representative Image)

Danish food authorities have recalled three types of popular spicy instant noodle products imported from South Korea due to potential risks of "acute poisoning." Consumers are urged to discard the products or return them to the retailer.

The recalled noodles, produced by Seoul-based Samyang Foods, one of South Korea’s largest companies, include Buldak Samyang 3 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Buldak Samyang 2 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Buldak Samyang Hot Chicken Stew. These products are sold globally.

According to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, the noodles contain an excessively high dose of capsaicin, an active ingredient in chili peppers. Capsaicin can act as a neurotoxin and pose health risks. The agency noted that children and teenagers in Denmark have been daring each other on social media to eat these extremely spicy noodle products.

“The noodle dishes marketed as extremely strong must no longer be sold because consumers and especially children risk acute poisoning,” the agency stated on Tuesday. “The capsaicin content is so high that it can pose a health hazard.”

Henrik Dammand Nielsen of the Danish Food and Drug Administration highlighted that children, frail adults, and the elderly are particularly at risk. Symptoms of acute poisoning may include burning sensations, nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure.

“That is why we are now demanding shops remove the products from their shelves,” the agency announced.

In response, Samyang Foods issued a statement clarifying that the recall in Denmark was not due to product quality issues but because local authorities deemed the noodles "too spicy and could potentially cause problems." The company emphasised that this is the first instance of a recall for these products in any market and stated, “We will closely study local regulations while responding to this recall measure.”

Spicy food challenges have gained popularity worldwide, from local chili pepper eating contests to social media dares. In September, a Massachusetts teenager with a congenital heart defect died after participating in a spicy tortilla chip challenge involving a large quantity of chili pepper extract. An autopsy revealed the 10th grader died on September 1, 2023, after consuming the Paqui chip as part of the manufacturer’s “One Chip Challenge.”

The recall in Denmark was initiated after a concerned consumer questioned the legality of the instant noodles, prompting the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration to conduct a lab assessment. The analysis concluded that the three noodle types pose health risks, leading to the recall.

Henrik Dammand Nielsen urged, “It is important that parents are aware of the extreme noodle varieties and avoid them.”

As the situation unfolds, Danish authorities continue to monitor the recall and ensure consumer safety.