The regulatory body for food safety in Aotearoa has concluded its investigation into the South Korean ramen that was outlawed in Denmark for being too spicy.
Earlier this month, food authorities in Denmark recalled three of Samyang Foods' Buldak spicy instant noodle products over possible risks for "acute poisoning".
The products are Buldak Hot Chicken Stew, with a Scoville rating of 4705; Buldak 2x Spicy Hot Chicken, which comes in at 8808 Scoville units; and Buldak 3x Spicy Hot Chicken, which has a Scoville rating of 13,200.
"The noodle dishes marketed as extremely strong must no longer be sold because consumers and especially children risk acute poisoning," the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said in announcing the recall.
"The capsaicin content is so high that it can pose a health hazard."
Capsaicin is an active component in chilli peppers which produces its burning sensation. In large quantities, it can lead to death.
Today, New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) said in a statement there is no need for a recall, despite the high levels of capsaicin levels found in the products.
"NZFS noted that these products do contain high levels of capsaicin, but they are clearly labelled to indicate their increased spiciness," New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.
"While the products may present risk to frail elderly people and young children, which was the basis for Denmark’s recall, these groups are not the intended consumers."
Three flavours of the noodles have been banned by authorities in Denmark, but Breakfast hosts Daniel Faitaua and Chris Chang joined producer Cameron Joe for an on-air tasting. (Source: Breakfast)
Arbuckle reminded consumers that should they experience discomfort when eating these products, "they will know the product is too spicy for them and will naturally stop eating them".
"As always, if we consider there to be a food safety risk, we will take swift action, including recalling the product for public safety. We do not consider that there is a food safety or suitability risk in this case."
Arbuckle said to date, there have been no complaints about the products or reports of adverse reactions.
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