Copenhagen Celebrates Return of Spicy Ramen Noodles After Ban

Copenhagen residents gathered on Thursday to celebrate the return of South Korean Samyang Foods’ Buldak instant ramen noodles, which had been banned earlier this year due to health concerns over their high spiciness. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration had removed three variants from supermarket shelves in June, citing that the capsaicin levels posed serious health risks, including nausea and high blood pressure. The ban sparked controversy, particularly among fans of the noodles, leading Samyang to contest the decision. In a festive event on a ferry decorated in the company’s vibrant colors, social media influencers and fans sampled the noodles, marking the reversal of the ban. “It’s very spicy. But now that I’ve had them a few times, I just enjoy them more and more,” said Phillip, a local resident who participated in the tasting. The initial warning from the Danish regulator specifically targeted children and young adults, who often challenge each other on social media to consume the spicy noodles. However, after further examination, the ban was lifted for two of the three variants last month, confirming they did not exceed the critical capsaicin level. Phillip humorously noted that he had stockpiled 50 packages during the ban, expressing relief and excitement over the noodles' return. “I feel great now that they’re available again,” he added, reflecting the sentiments of many fans eager to enjoy the spicy treat once more.