KUALA LUMPUR – Denmark’s food agency has taken action against popular South Korean instant ramen brand Samyang, due to concerns over dangerously high capsaicin levels in some of its products.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration flagged three of Samyang’s instant ramen flavours – Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Hot Chicken Stew – as posing a risk of acute poisoning to consumers, the BBC reported.
The agency advised consumers to dispose of or return these products to the store where they were purchased. It particularly emphasised the danger for children and urged parents to contact the nation’s Poison Line if their children showed any symptoms of acute poisoning.
The Danish food authority said it had assessed the levels of capsaicin in a single packet to be “so high that they pose 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,” it said in a statement.
Samyang Foods, a major player in the South Korean food industry, acknowledged the recall and assured consumers of its commitment to ensuring product safety.
This marks the first time their products have been recalled for being too spicy, and the company pledged to navigate and comply with local regulations in export markets more effectively.
“We understand that the Danish food authority recalled the products, not because of a problem in their quality but because they were too spicy,” the firm said, as quoted by BBC.
“The products are being exported globally. But this is the first time they have been recalled for the above reason.”
It is unknown if any specific incidents in Denmark had prompted authorities there to take action.
Samyang’s popularity has surged internationally, with its operating profit reaching over US$110 million (RM517 million) in 2023.
Its recent viral success with products like Buldak carbonara ramen has driven a significant increase in demand, with reports of shortages in the US and even celebrities like Cardi B sharing their struggles to find the sought-after noodles. – June 12, 2024