Three varieties of “fire chicken” instant ramen noodles have been recalled in Denmark due to being too spicy. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration found that the level of capsaicin, a naturally occurring chemical found in chili peppers, in these products is so high that it could potentially poison consumers. South Korean noodle giant Samyang, the developer of the noodles, stated that the products are not being recalled due to quality issues but because of their extreme spiciness. This is the first time the noodles have been recalled for this reason, and it is unclear if a specific incident triggered the recall.
Instant noodles originated in Japan but have become a staple across Asia, with Samyang claiming to be the first to produce South Korea’s instant ramen in 1963. The company, currently the third-largest noodle maker in South Korea, has gained popularity for its “Buldak” or “fire chicken” noodles, which were developed by Samyang’s chief executive, Kim Jung-soo. Inspired by a spicy stir fry, the noodles were launched in 2012 and became popularized on social media through the “Fire Noodles Challenge.” Rapper Cardi B’s TikTok video in March reignited the craze, bringing attention to the extreme spiciness of the noodles.
The original buldak ramen had a Scoville scale score of around 4,000, similar to the heat of jalapeños. Some of the new flavors being recalled in Denmark may be two or three times as hot, according to taste testers. Despite the recall, Samyang has stated that the noodles were not being pulled from shelves due to quality issues but solely because of their extreme spice level. The company has not provided any additional information about the recall or the potential risks to consumers.
The Danish regulator has urged consumers to discard the recalled products or return them to the place of purchase. Instant noodles have a long history in countries like Japan and South Korea, where they have been a vital source of affordable and accessible food, particularly during times of post-war poverty. Samyang’s success as a noodle maker in South Korea has come from its innovative products like the “fire chicken” noodles, developed by CEO Kim Jung-soo, and its ability to tap into social media trends to promote its products.
It is essential for food companies to prioritize consumer safety and quality control in their products to prevent potential health risks like food poisoning. The recall of the extremely spicy instant ramen noodles in Denmark serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and regulation in the food industry to ensure that products meet health and safety standards. Samyang’s decision to recall the noodles due to their high spice level highlights the potential dangers associated with consuming extremely spicy foods and the need for clear communication about product risks to consumers.
