The Danish Food Authority (Fødevarestyrelsen) has recalled popular noodles due to the risk of acute poisoning. A number of noodle products have been recalled by the Danish Food Authority because they contain total capsaicin in such high levels that there is a risk of acute poisoning. According to a press release from the Danish Food Authority, the products include “Samyang Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken,” “2x Spicy & Hot Chicken,” and “Hot Chicken Stew.” Total capsaicin is the chemical compound that gives chili its characteristic strong taste. The National Food Institute (DTU Fødevareinstituttet) has found that the levels of total capsaicin in a single package of these noodles are so high that they can lead to acute poisoning if consumed.
These noodles are available in supermarkets, specialty stores, and online, and the Danish Food Authority recommends either returning the products to the store where they were purchased or disposing of them. The noodle products have gained great popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok, where users share videos of their preparation and consumption of the spicy noodles.