The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has announced a recall of three types of South Korean spicy instant noodle products, citing health risks due to their high capsaicin content. The recall includes Buldak Samyang 3 X Spicy & Hot Chicken noodles, Buldak Samyang 2 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Buldak Samyang Hot Chicken Stew, all manufactured by Seoul-based Samyang Foods, one of South Korea's largest food companies.
The recall was prompted by concerns that the capsaicin levels in these products are so high that they could pose a health hazard. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, is known for its spicy heat but can also act as a neurotoxin and cause "acute poisoning" in excessive amounts. This chemical can lead to symptoms such as burning sensations, nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure, particularly affecting children, frail adults, and the elderly.
Henrik Dammand Nielsen of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration stated, "The capsaicin content is so high that it can pose a health hazard. That is why we are now demanding shops remove the products from their shelves." The agency emphasized the importance of parents being aware of these extremely spicy noodle varieties and ensuring that they are not consumed by children.
This decision comes after the agency received inquiries from consumers questioning the legality of selling such spicy products. Following a laboratory assessment, the administration concluded that the three noodle brands could be harmful to health, leading to the recall.
In response to the recall, Samyang Foods issued a statement acknowledging that the recall was due to the spiciness of the product rather than any quality issues. "We understand that the steps taken in Denmark were not based on product quality issues but because local authorities thought they were too spicy and could potentially cause problems," the company said. Samyang Foods also mentioned that while these noodles are exported worldwide, this is the first instance of a recall in any market.
The recall has also highlighted the popularity and potential dangers of spicy food challenges, which have been prevalent for years. These challenges often involve consuming extremely spicy foods, such as local chili pepper eating contests or attempting to finish extra hot dishes at restaurants. These activities have gained traction on social media, particularly among children and teenagers, leading to increased risks.
A tragic incident underscored these dangers when a Massachusetts teenager with a congenital heart defect died after participating in a spicy tortilla chip challenge on social media. The autopsy report, obtained by the Associated Press, revealed that the 10th grader died on September 1, 2023, after consuming a large quantity of chili pepper extract as part of the "One Chip Challenge" by Paqui.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration's recall aims to prevent similar incidents by removing these excessively spicy products from the market. The administration has advised consumers to discard the recalled noodles or return them to retailers. "It is important that parents are aware of the extreme noodle varieties and avoid them," Nielsen reiterated.
