Danish food safety authority lifts ban on two types of chili noodles previously deemed too spicy

The Danish food safety authority, Fødevarestyrelsen, has lifted the ban on two out of three types of chili noodles that were previously suspected of being dangerously spicy. The initial decision to remove the noodles from shelves had drawn international attention and amusement on social media due to the perceived sensitivity of Danish taste buds.

The agency’s re-evaluation was based on a more comprehensive analysis of the noodles by the DTU Food Institute. The two products, Samyang Buldak 2 x Spicy Hot Chicken and Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Stew, are now allowed back on store shelves. However, the noodle product Samyang Buldak 3 x Spicy Hot Chicken is still deemed potentially harmful and will not be returning to stores.

The controversy stems from the level of capsaicin in the noodles, the compound in chili that gives it its heat. Excessive capsaicin can have health effects such as digestive tract irritation, increased heart rate, and breathing difficulties. Some retailers had marketed the products as being stronger than they were found to be, sparking suspicion of potential health hazards.

Stefan Leth Elbæk, vice director of Janax, a company that imports the spicy noodles, was relieved that the ban on two of the noodle variants was rescinded. However, he expressed frustration at the impact the ban has had on their business relationship with major customers and the considerable stock that had been blocked.

Henrik Dammand Nielsen of Fødevarestyrelsen acknowledged that the initial basis for the ban was not particularly precise but defended the agency’s obligation to act when there are suspicions that a food product could be dangerous. He stated that the agency owes it to consumers to remove any products that pose a risk or that consumers can’t easily determine the risk level of.