The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has recalled over 3,500 instant noodle cups from South Korea over concern they contain a harmful carcinogen.
Thailand has frozen shipments of Nongshim Shin Ramyun, an instant noodle from South Korea, after suspicions that its seasoning packets contain ethylene oxide, according to FDA Deputy Secretary Withit Saritdeechaikul. The chemical is linked to cancer and used to produce compounds such as car engine antifreeze or pesticides.
A total of 3,520 Nongshim Shin Ramyun cups were seized by FDA for lab testing They will report the results at a later date.
The instant noodle brand was imported into Thailand by Prothai Co., Ltd. The first shipment was 480 cups and the second was 2,560 cups with expiry dates of Feb. 4 and May 8, respectively.
Withit urged consumers to avoid eating the instant noodle brand with the specified expiration dates.
Korean culture, from music to food, is prized in Thailand, and the brand is also easily found on shopping sites such as Lazada and Shopee.
Ethylene oxide is classified as a hazardous agricultural substance, and its residual presence in food violates safety standards. Those who produce, import, or sell food with such a harmful substance face fines up to THB50,000.
The recall came after over 1,100 kilograms of Nongshim Shin Ramyun noodles were seized earlier this month in Taiwan after residue from a banned pesticide was found inside.
