Danes in central Copenhagen on Thursday marked the return of super-spicy Korean ramen to supermarket shelves after it had been banned for being too spicy – a decision that has since been partially reversed.
In June, Danish stores removed three varieties of Buldak instant ramen from South Korean manufacturer Samyang Foods after the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration determined that high levels of capsaicin in the noodles posed a serious health risk.
Danish regulators have said capsaicin, the compound found in chilli peppers that gives people a hot taste, can cause poisoning, nausea, high blood pressure and vomiting if consumed in large quantities.
Samyang, which sells the product worldwide, has challenged the ban and celebrated its repeal by serving its noodles to social media influencers who had gathered on the company’s bright red-decorated ferry in Copenhagen harbor on Thursday.
“It’s very spicy, but after eating it a few times it gets more and more delicious,” said Philip, a Copenhagen resident who gave only his first name.
After being paid to participate, the influencers got to sample the chef’s noodles alongside their fans on board a ship sailing around the Danish capital.
The warning, issued in June, was specifically targeted at children, young people and vulnerable adults who would challenge each other on social media to eat spicy ramen, authorities said in a statement at the time.
But further testing of the spicy noodles found they did not exceed legal limits for capsaicin, and last month the ban on two of the three types was lifted.
“When the ban happened I bought about 50 packs. I still have them and I think I saved up a pretty substantial down payment,” Phillip said.
“I’m so happy it’s available again.”
