Melon Cream Bun Recalled in South Korea

A popular melon cream bun sold at convenience stores has been recalled following consumer complaints of a supposedly foul odour. 

A local media report on Thursday revealed the pungent problem: durian flavouring was accidentally used in place of melon flavouring. Reports of an unpleasant smell, which some customers described as “sewer-like”, had quickly spread online, prompting a surge in refund and exchange requests as many shared similar experiences. The distributor confirmed that around 20,000 buns were removed from circulation following the reports. 

According to Channel A, the odour was not caused by spoilage, but a manufacturing mix-up. At the production facility, durian flavoring was mistakenly used in place of melon due to a labelling error. 

While durian is widely consumed across parts of Asia and often referred to as the “king of fruits”, it is not commonly eaten in South Korea, and many unsophisticated consumers are unfamiliar with its smell or flavour. In Korean social media and user complaints, the durian smell was specifically likened to "weird poop" or a pungent, lingering chemical, with some describing it as a "toilet" smell. 

The distributor added that all affected products have been fully recalled and replaced with correctly manufactured items, now back on sale.

I don't know what the big deal is because I had on occasion had the Gardenia QuickBites Durian Cream Roll (50g, RM1.20) and I didn't have any issue with it at all. 

Okay, maybe that's because I love durian and can't have enough of it! 

FYI, the actual flavour is best described as mild. I had wished for a stronger durian aftertaste but it was not to be!