Calling all spice lovers! If you've recently purchased Samyang's fiery instant noodles from South Korea, you might want to check your pantry. Denmark has just recalled three varieties of these popular noodles due to concerns about ‘acute poisoning.’
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration is urging people to discard or return the following products: Buldak Samyang 3 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, Buldak Samyang 2 x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Buldak Samyang Hot Chicken Stew.
Apparently, these noodles pack a punch that's a little too strong for some consumers. The culprit? Capsaicin, the chemical that gives chilli peppers their heat. While it adds a fiery kick to our food, too much capsaicin can be a health hazard.
Spicy Korean Noodles Recalled In Denmark
The recall stems from a social media trend in Denmark where young people dared each other to consume these super-spicy noodles. While spicy food challenges are nothing new, this incident highlights the potential dangers of pushing culinary limits.
This situation is a first for Samyang Foods, the South Korean manufacturer. The company maintains their products are safe and points out they're widely exported around the world. However, they're cooperating with the Danish authorities and will be reviewing local regulations.
Health Effects Of Capsaicin
According to a study published in MDPI’s ‘Molecules,’ capsaicin isn’t all bad. It boasts a surprising number of health benefits. Capsaicin can act as an anti-inflammatory, potentially reducing pain and easing symptoms of conditions like arthritis. It may also boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
The amount of capsaicin in a pepper varies depending on the variety, with hotter peppers containing more capsaicin. Here are some of the common chilli peppers with high capsaicin content:
- Carolina Reaper: Currently considered the hottest pepper in the world, it has a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of over 2 million.
- Ghost Pepper: SHU rating of over 1 million.
- Habanero Pepper: Their heat can range from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU.
- Thai Pepper: They can range from 50,000 to 100,000 SHU.
- Cayenne Pepper: SHU rating of 25,000 to 50,000.
- Serrano Pepper: They pack a heat of 10,000 to 25,000 SHU.
- Jalapeno Pepper: SHU rating of 2,500 to 8,000.
- Poblano Pepper: SHU rating of 1,000 to 2,000
- Szechuan peppercorns: These prickly ash berries are not related to black peppercorns, but they do produce a numbing sensation similar to capsaicin.
- Ginger: Ginger contains a very small amount of capsaicin, which may contribute to its warming properties.
However, the good stuff can quickly turn bad.
Also Read: Love Spicy Food But Can't Handle The Heat? Here Are Expert Backed Ayurvedic Tips You Should Try
Side Effects Of Excessive Capsaicin
Adding excessive capsaicin to food can irritate the digestive tract, leading to unpleasant burning, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. For those with digestive issues like acid reflux, capsaicin can worsen these conditions.
According to a study Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, the biggest concern lies in exceeding your personal capsaicin tolerance. Overdoing it can trigger a range of uncomfortable reactions, including nausea, vomiting, and even high blood pressure. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these effects.
The side effects of too much Capsaicin are especially true for children, teenagers, and the elderly, who are more susceptible to the following side effects:
- Burning and discomfort in the mouth and throat
- Nausea and vomiting
- High blood pressure
Also Read: Can Spicy Foods Cause Haemorrhoids? Doctor States Facts
So, what does this mean for you, the adventurous eater? If you're a spice lover, enjoy your fiery foods responsibly. Be mindful of the capsaicin content, especially if you share with children or those with underlying health conditions. Remember, a delicious challenge shouldn't come at the cost of your health.