Spice Challenge Goes Awry: Samyang Foods Recalls Instant Ramen Due to High Capsaicin Content

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) has announced a recall of three varieties of instant ramen produced by Samyang Foods due to their high capsaicin content, which can be harmful to children. This marks the first time that Samyang products have been recalled for being too spicy. According to the DVFA, children have been participating in social media challenges where they film themselves eating super-spicy foods, leading several children in Germany to be hospitalized after consuming spicy chips.

A customer alerted the DVFA to the spicy noodles, prompting an assessment by the DTU National Food Institute to determine their potential harm. The DVFA stated that the noodles are so spicy that they pose a potential risk to young children and some adults. They warned that the capsaicin content in the noodles could cause burning sensations, nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure.

The three recalled products from Samyang include Samyang Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Stew. Samyang stated to the BBC that while they maintain the quality of their food is not an issue, they are investigating local regulations following this recall.