Fiery South Korean Ramen Noodles Return to Danish Shelves Amid Health Concerns

Danes in Copenhagen celebrated the partial reversal of a ban on South Korean Buldak ramen noodles, initially removed due to high capsaicin levels posing health risks. Samyang Foods, the producer, marked the occasion with an event featuring social media influencers and chefs. The ban remains for one variant.

Danes in central Copenhagen on Thursday celebrated the return of fiery South Korean ramen noodles to supermarket shelves. The noodles had been banned for being too spicy, but the decision has since been partly reversed.

In June, stores in Denmark pulled three variants of South Korean Samyang Foods' Buldak instant ramen line. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration found that the noodles' high capsaicin level posed a serious health risk. Capsaicin, the compound in chillies that creates a burning sensation, can cause intoxication, nausea, high blood pressure, and vomiting when ingested in high quantities, according to the Danish regulator.

Samyang Foods, which sells the products worldwide, contested the ban and celebrated its partial reversal by feeding its noodles to social media influencers. The event took place on a ferry adorned in the firm's bright-red colours in Copenhagen's harbour. Phillip, a Copenhagen resident, said, "It's very spicy. But now that I've had them a few times, I just enjoy them more and more."

Influencers, who were paid to participate, joined fans in trying the noodles served by chefs onboard the boat as it sailed through the Danish capital. The regulator's warning was especially aimed at children, who challenge each other on social media to eat the spicy ramen, and vulnerable adults.

The ban was lifted last month for two of the three variants after further examination showed they did not exceed the critical capsaicin level. "When they were banned, I bought like 50 packages, which I still have now but I guess I have a good deposit," Phillip said. "I feel great now that they're available again."

(With inputs from agencies.)