New Zealand Food Safety Investigates Samyang Noodles After Recall in Denmark

Wellington, New Zealand – New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has launched an investigation into Samyang Foods’ spicy instant noodles after a recall was issued in Denmark due to concerns over the presence of ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a chemical used as a pesticide that is not permitted in food products in the European Union (EU). In Denmark, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration detected ethylene oxide in several batches of Samyang’s Buldak Bokkeum Myeon noodles. As a result, NZFS has requested that Samyang New Zealand recall all affected products from the New Zealand market and has advised consumers not to eat them. The recall affects all products with the following batch codes: * 09062023 * 23052023 * 19072023 * 12072023 * 14072023 NZFS is currently working with Samyang New Zealand to determine the extent of the contamination and to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market. Samyang Foods has issued a statement apologizing for the situation and has assured consumers that they are taking the matter seriously. The company has stated that they are conducting their own investigation and will take appropriate action to address the issue. NZFS advises consumers who have purchased the affected products to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any concerns or questions can contact NZFS or Samyang New Zealand for further information.South Korean Noodles Under Investigation for Capsaicin Levels

South Korean Noodles Under Investigation for Capsaicin Levels

New Zealand Food Safety is investigating popular South Korean noodles due to concerns that their high levels of capsaicin could cause acute poisoning. This follows a recall issued in Denmark, where the noodles were banned for the same reason. According to the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, the noodles pose a health risk due to their extremely high capsaicin content. Capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers, produces the burning sensation associated with spicy food. In large quantities, it can be fatal. The affected noodles include Samyang Foods’ Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Hot Chicken Stew products. The 3x Spicy variant has a Scoville rating of 13,200, while the 2x Spicy variant has 8808 Scoville units. The hot chicken stew has the lowest capsaicin content at 4,705 Scoville units. These noodles gained popularity globally in 2014 through the Fire Noodle Challenge, where people film themselves eating the extremely spicy noodles. A spokesperson for Samyang Foods stated that the recall was not due to a quality issue but because the noodles were too spicy. The company noted that the products are exported worldwide and that this is the first time they have been withdrawn for this reason. In New Zealand, Deputy Director-General of Food Safety Vincent Arbuckle confirmed that Samyang noodles are available in the country and that the ministry is investigating the issue. He emphasized that if a food safety risk is identified, swift action will be taken, including issuing a product recall if necessary..NZ Food Safety is investigating Samyang noodles after a recall in Denmark. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) issued the recall on 11 October 2022, after the noodles were found to contain ethylene oxide, a chemical that is not approved for use in food. .NZ Food Safety is working with the DVFA to determine if the affected noodles have been imported into New Zealand. If you have any Samyang noodles, .NZ Food Safety is advising you not to eat them. Ethylene oxide is a toxic chemical that can cause a range of health problems, including cancer. Symptoms of ethylene oxide exposure can include: * Nausea * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Abdominal pain * Headaches * Dizziness * Confusion * Seizures If you have any concerns about your health after eating Samyang noodles, please seek medical advice. .NZ Food Safety will provide more information as it becomes available.