Denmark has recalled some spicy ramen noodle products from South Korean company Samyang on the grounds that their capsaicin content could poison consumers.
Three fiery flavors of the Samyang instant ramen line are being recalled: Buldak 3x Hot & Spicy Chicken, 2x Hot & Spicy Chicken and Hot Stew Chicken.
The Danish food agency issued a recall and warning on Tuesday, urging consumers to abandon the product.
It is unclear whether any specific incidents prompted Danish authorities to take action.
Danish Food and Veterinary Authority said it had assessed the capsaicin content in one packet as “so high as to pose a risk of acute poisoning to consumers”.
“If you have the products, you should throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased,” it said in a statement.
It also emphasizes warnings for children because food that is too spicy can be harmful.
This announcement sparked heated discussion online with many excited reactions from spicy food lovers. Many people have claimed the Danes’ low tolerance for spices.
“I have a friend from Denmark who thinks the tasteless breaded shrimp with a little ground pepper on it is too spicy. No wonder they think this ramen is poisonous,” one most liked comment wrote on the ramen forum Reddit.
It’s unclear whether the noodles have been previously recalled in any other countries. There do not appear to be any other safety warnings issued globally.
Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in chili peppers that creates a burning sensation.
When humans eat chili peppers, capsaicin is secreted into saliva and binds to receptors in the mouth.
Samyang is a major Korean food manufacturer and bills itself as the first company in the country to produce instant noodles in the 1960s.
