"Our Kids Say It's Too Spicy"…The Nordic Place That Recalled Hekbuldakmyeon

Samyang Foods' spicy ramen products, including the Nuclear Buldak Bokkeummyeon, have been recalled in Denmark due to concerns that they are too spicy and could be harmful to children.

On the 11th (local time), the British BBC reported that the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) announced a recall of Samyang Foods' Nuclear Buldak Bokkeummyeon 3×Spicy, Nuclear Buldak Bokkeummyeon 2×Spicy, and Buldak Bokkeumtangmyeon in a statement. The BBC stated, "It is not known which specific ingredient triggered the Danish authorities' action."

Buldak product series recalled in Denmark.
[Image source=Announcement by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration]

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The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration stated that the capsaicin level in one package was evaluated to be so high that consumers could be at risk of acute poisoning. The administration recommended, "If you have the product, you should dispose of it or return it to the store where you purchased it." The DVFA especially warned that very spicy food could be harmful to children.

This warning from the DVFA sparked debate online. Many argued that Denmark has a low tolerance for spicy seasoning. One user commented on a Reddit ramen forum, "I have a Danish friend who thinks even lightly peppered shrimp bread is too spicy." He added, "It's not surprising that Danes consider spicy ramen to be poison."

In response, a Samyang Foods official told Yonhap News Agency, "It is understood that the recall was done voluntarily, not due to quality issues, but because the spiciness could potentially cause problems." They added, "We plan to carefully review local regulations and respond to this recall action accordingly."

Previously, Samyang Foods' 'Buldak Bokkeummyeon' series has been gaining popularity worldwide, including in the United States. First launched in 2012, the Buldak Bokkeummyeon series has introduced various products such as Cheese Buldak Bokkeummyeon, Carbo Buldak Bokkeummyeon, Jjajang Buldak Bokkeummyeon, and Meatball Spaghetti Buldak Bokkeummyeon. Notably, the Carbo Buldak Bokkeummyeon, released in 2017, has been especially popular overseas.

Meanwhile, as 'K-Ramen' gains significant popularity abroad, Korea's ramen export value has exceeded 100 million dollars for two consecutive months. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 4th that ramen exports reached 107.3 million dollars (approximately 147 billion KRW) last month. The export value surpassed 100 million dollars for the first time in April with 108.59 million dollars, a 46.8% increase compared to the same month last year (73.95 million dollars), and has remained above 100 million dollars for two months in a row.

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