Sunday, June 16, 2024

Instant Noodles Too Hot for Danes

Denmark is recalling three flavors of Samyang instant ramen because they have too much heat for the average consumer. Samyang were very explicit that the recall is not because there's anything wrong with the product.

The three varieties of noodles that were subject to the recall are Samyang Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Stew. The noodle recall was unprecedented for Samyang, according to the company.

"The products are being exported globally. But this is the first time they have been recalled for the above reason". 

One person's tolerance of capsaicin is another's health risk though, apparently. [Note: Capsaicin is the chemical compound in chilli peppers which creates the burning feeling. When humans eat peppers, the capsaicin is released into saliva and binds on to receptors in the mouth].

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration say that the amount of the chili pepper extract is so high that it poses a risk of the consumer developing acute poisoning.

"If you have the products, you should discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased", the agency implore.

The notice has sparked heated discussion online with many amused reactions from lovers of spicy food. Many have made assertions about the Danes' low tolerance for spice. 

"I had a friend from Denmark who thought tasteless breaded shrimp with a little bit of ground pepper on it was too spicy. Not surprised they think this ramen is poison", read one top-liked comment on the Reddit r/Korea group. 

Samyang said they planned to "closely look into the local regulations" in Denmark and respond after that. The noodles don't appear to have been recalled before in any other country, nor have there been other safety warnings issued.

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