The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has recalled Samyang instant noodles due to the risk of “acute poisoning.”
Denmark has banned the sale of several popular South Korean instant noodle brands for being too spicy, and warned consumers about the risk of poisoning from spicy foods.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said on Tuesday it was recalling noodles made by Samyang Foods due to their “very high capsaicin content, posing a risk to consumers of acute poisoning.”
As a result of this decision, Buldak's Triple Spicy & Hot Chicken, Double Spicy & Hot Chicken and Hot Chicken Stew instant noodles may no longer be sold in Danish stores.
The food regulator said consumers who bought these products should throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased.
“Large amounts of chilli pepper are particularly dangerous for children and frail adults. Possible symptoms include a burning sensation, discomfort, nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure,” said Henrik Damand Nielsen, head of the agency's chemistry and food quality department.
“We are therefore now asking stores to remove the product from their shelves.”
In extreme cases, it can even be given as a gift. Nude letters are written in very large letters and can last a long time, and there is a risk of them being scratched when giving them as gifts. The product is sold on bla. navnet Samyang Buldak 3X Spicy #dkfood #dkbiz
“Kandoo… pic.twitter.com/jKAfeOKrXn
— Foedevare Tyrellsen (@Foedevare) June 11, 2024
Nielsen said the noodles contained even more capsium than the chilli chips that have caused a number of poisonings among children in Germany.
“It is therefore important for parents to be aware of and avoid extreme noodle variants,” he said.
The announcement sparked a flurry of amusing reactions on social media, with some taking aim at Danish people's intolerance of spicy food.
Danish cuisine is not known for its use of spices, and traditional dishes include poached cod, open-faced sandwiches, and meatballs called frikadelle.
Seoul-based Samyang Foods did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
South Korean instant noodle exports have recorded double-digit annual growth in recent years, with local media attributing this to the explosive popularity of Korean dramas and films overseas.
Samyang Foods accounted for the majority of exports, reaching $270 million in the first three months of 2024.
Overseas sales of South Korean ramen makers hit a record $108.6 million in April, up about 50 percent from the same period last year, according to the Korea Customs Service.
