Noodles with high capsaicin content pose a health risk. A range of chili noodles from the Samyang brand have been removed from Danish shelves due to their dangerously high capsaicin content, which can cause acute poisoning. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) has issued a ban on the sale of these products marketed as “extremely strong.” The specific products that have been recalled include “Samyang Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken,” “Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken,” and “Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Stew.” Capsaicin is the chemical compound that gives chili its characteristic strong flavor and can be harmful to health in high concentrations.
These noodles have gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, where children and young people often participate in challenges to eat the extremely strong noodles. However, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration warns that the high capsaicin content poses a significant health risk, especially for children. Henrik Dammand Nielsen, unit manager at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, states: “Chili in large quantities poses a risk, especially for children and vulnerable adults. Possible symptoms include burning and discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure. Therefore, we are now requiring stores to remove the products from their shelves.”
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s decision to recall these products is aimed at protecting public health and preventing harmful consequences of consuming excessive amounts of capsaicin.