The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) has issued a ban on the sale of specific Samyang Buldak noodle varieties due to their dangerously high capsaicin content, which, it said, “poses a significant poisoning risk”. The affected products include Samyang Buldak 3 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Samyang Buldak 2 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Stew. Samyang Foods stated on its website that “Hot Chicken stir-fried noodles has become very popular in China, Southeast Asia, etc.
, becoming the main brand leading K-Food.” “K-Food” is short form for Korean Food and Henrik Dammand Nielsen, Head of Unit at the DVFA, explained that the extreme spiciness of these noodles could lead to acute poisoning, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children and frail adults. "Chili in large quantities poses a risk especially to children and frail adults.
Possible symptoms include burning and discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure," he stated. The issue came to light after a consumer questioned the legality of selling these highly spicy noodles in Denmark. Following an assessment by the National Food Institute, it was concluded that the capsaicin levels in these noodles were alarmingly high and harmful to health.
This conclusion was drawn after comparing the capsaicin content in these noodles to that found in chilli chips, which had previously caused poisoning injuries among children in Germany. The noodles gained popularity through social med.
