Tainted South Korean instant noodles recalled across island
TAIPEI — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday gave an order to recall two instant noodle products from South Korea, which were found to contain traces of the cancer-causing substance benzopyrene.
Among the six were Neoguri seafood & mild noodles and Neoguri seafood & spicy noodles, the two products that were recalled in Taiwan.
The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said that in June all six Nongshim-brand noodles were found to contain benzopyrene, an organic compound that is considered a carcinogen.
Tsai Shu chen, an official at Taiwan’s DOH, said the department will seek more detailed information on the amount and source of the benzopyrene found in the South Korean noodles but in the meantime has recalled the two types sold in Taiwan.
The DOH will evaluate the information from South Korea on the products and will have them returned to store shelves if they are found to be safe, Tsai said.
The six products recalled in South Korea do not include the popular Shin Ramyun noodles.
In June, the KFDA conducted tests on 30 instant noodle products sold in South Korea and found that six products by Nongshim contained benzopyrene, with the Neoguri series containing the highest level of 4.7 parts per billion, according to the country’s Yonhap News Agency.
The cancer-causing substance was found in the powdered seasonings in the noodle products, the KFDA said.
The KFDA said it had delayed announcement of the test results and the recall order because the levels of benzopyrene found in the noodle products in June were minuscule and not harmful, the South Korean agency reported.
However, the KFDA issued the recall order after its commissioner Lee Hee-sung was pressed on the matter during a legislative question-and-answer session Wednesday, the report indicated.
source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2012/10/26/358957/Tainted-South.htm
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Malaysian health authorities have recalled a popular type of cup noodles on fears that it could contain excessive amounts of cancer causing plastic additives, according to todayonline.com.
Consumers have been urged to stop eating Shin Ramen until tests prove that they are safe for consumption, The Star newspaper reported.
“We urge consumers to stop eating the noodles which they have bought until the tests by our ministry show that they are free from these contaminants,” said Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai. He added that all Taiwanese food products have been placed on a level four alert under the Food Safety Information System of Malaysia. The highest level is six.
These products may be available on amazon.com. Consumers should check country of origin or contact seller if they have any concerns.
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© 2012 US Food Safety Corporation. No copyright claim is made for portions of this blog and linked items that are works of the United States Government, state governments or third parties
Mr Fly
October 8, 2012
Hey Dawn there many possible reasons/poisons to effect gall bladder. Water quailty and arsenic levels to GMO crop foods. Many of these noodle in a cup is only safe when boiling water is added to cup. Not Microwaved! General rule stay away from GMO and plastic cooking or storage containers. Good luck with that! There are many other possiblities, hope your son feels better
Dawn Strobel
July 28, 2012
My son just had his gall bladder taken out 4 weeks ago. Eating USA Raman still in pain. Could the Raman noodles be causing it? I hears something about Raman being bad for you? Please help.
Thanks!
Dawn Strobel
ball krishna
June 15, 2011
i am a cook and my wish that i cook the food which good for halth and i wish that i make a good cook as a sanjib kapoor
Rex
June 12, 2011
I have some Shim Ramyun noodles, but made it the USA. Is it okay to eat? Can anybody answer my question?