Denmark recalls South Korean instant noodles for being too spicy

Recall impacts three types of spicy noodles from Korean brand Samyang
The noodles gained popularity through social media challenges
Officials urge Danes to throw away noodles if already purchased

Updated: Jun 12, 2024 / 08:28 PM CDT

(NewsNation) — Denmark is warning its citizens to throw away packages of instant ramen noodles from South Korean company Samyang for levels of spice it deems dangerous.

The Denmark Veterinary and Food Administration posted a recall for the brand’s Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken and Hot Chicken Stew due to high levels of capsaicin, a chili pepper extract.

The capsaicin level in a single packet of the noodles was “so high that there is a risk of acute poisoning,” the Danish agency said in a translated statement.

It also urged parents to keep children from eating the noodles due to a higher chance of complications. If children ate any of the products and feel ill, parents are asked to call the Poison Control Hotline.

The DVFA said symptoms of this poisoning include nausea, vomiting and severe high blood pressure, which could potentially be life-threatening.

“If you have the products, you should discard them or return them to the store where they were purchased,” the statement said.

Samyang’s products have gained a worldwide boost thanks to TikTok trends and challenges, something Denmark officials mentioned in their warning: “Children and young people eat the very strong chili noodles under, for example, the hashtag #spicynoodlechallenge.”