Denmark has recalled several spicy instant noodle products produced by South Korean company Samyang due to excessively high levels of capsaicin, which could potentially cause acute poisoning in consumers.
On Tuesday, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) announced the recall of three spicy flavors of Samyang noodles: Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Hot Chicken Stew. Consumers who have these products are urged to immediately discard or return them.
However, the manufacturer Samyang stated that there is no issue with the quality of the food. In a statement to the BBC, the company said, “We understand that the Danish food authority recalled these products not because of quality issues, but because they are too spicy.”
“These products are being exported globally. But this is the first time they have been recalled for the above reasons.”
It is still unclear whether any specific incidents in Denmark prompted the authorities to take this action. The Hot Chicken noodle series had previously been recalled in Norway due to administrative errors in customs clearance.
The Danish Food Authority stated that based on their assessment, the capsaicin content in the mentioned products is so high that it poses a risk of acute poisoning to consumers.
Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers that creates the sensation of heat. The food authority also emphasized the potential harm of extremely spicy foods to children and urged parents to contact the food poisoning hotline if their children experience “acute symptoms.”
The recall notice sparked discussions online, with spicy food enthusiasts expressing surprise at the Danish intolerance for spiciness. A popular comment on Reddit’s ramen forum read, “I have a friend from Denmark who thinks plain breaded shrimp with a sprinkle of pepper is too spicy. No wonder they consider this ramen ‘toxic’.”
Samyang is a major South Korean food manufacturer that has been producing instant noodles since the 1960s, becoming the first company in South Korea to do so. Samyang products are popular both domestically and internationally, with the company’s operating profit exceeding $110 million in 2023, a historic high.
Samyang stated that they plan to “carefully study the local regulations in Denmark” and then respond accordingly.