Denmark has recalled several spicy ramen noodle products from the South Korean company Samyang, citing that their capsaicin levels could potentially poison consumers.
The recall affects three spicy varieties of Samyang instant ramen: Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Hot Chicken Stew. Denmark’s food agency issued the recall and a warning on Tuesday, advising consumers to dispose of the products.
However, Samyang insists there is no issue with the food’s quality. “We understand that the Danish food authority recalled the products not due to quality concerns, but because they were too spicy,” the company stated to the media. “These products are exported globally, but this is the first instance of a recall for this reason.”
It is unclear if any specific incidents in Denmark triggered this action. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration assessed the capsaicin levels in a single packet as “so high that they pose a risk of the consumer developing acute poisoning.” The agency advised consumers to discard the products or return them to the store where they were purchased and emphasized the risk to children, for whom extremely spicy food can be harmful.
The recall has sparked a lively online discussion, with many spicy food enthusiasts mocking Denmark’s perceived low spice tolerance. One popular comment on a Reddit ramen forum read, “I had a friend from Denmark who thought tasteless breaded shrimp with a little bit of ground pepper on it was too spicy. Not surprised they think this ramen is poison.”
Samyang plans to review Denmark’s local regulations and respond accordingly. These noodles have not been recalled in any other country, nor have there been other safety warnings issued.
Capsaicin, the chemical compound in chili peppers responsible for the burning sensation, binds to receptors in the mouth when humans consume peppers. Samyang, a major South Korean food manufacturer, is known for being the first company in the country to create instant noodles back in the 1960s.
