Controversy over Nongshim's Shin Ramyun Likely to Continue for Some Time (2024)

Controversy over Nongshim's Shin Ramyun Likely to Continue for Some Time (1)

Last month, Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun Black Tof*ckimchi Bowl Noodles were suspended from retailing in Taiwan and Thailanddue to the detection of harmful substancesin them.

Nongshim said that contrary to media reports, the products did not contain carcinogens. But as consumer groups have insisted that Nongshim’s products be thoroughly examined for harmful substances, thecontroversy is likely to stay for some time.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has suspended the distribution of some products of Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black Tofu Kimchi Flavor Bowl for consumer safety, according to media reports, including Channel 7, in Thailand on Jan. 31.

The TFDA recalled a total of 3,040 bowls -- 480 with an expiration date of Feb. 4 and 2,560 with an expiration date of May 8.

The TFDA's move followedthe announcement on Jan. 17 by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administrationthat 0.075 (mg/kg) of ethylene oxide (EO), a pesticide substance, was found in a pesticide residue test on the same Nongshim noodle product. The Taiwanese government destroyed 1,000 boxes (1128 kg) of this product because itdid not meet itsstandards onpesticide residues.
According to classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, EO is a substance that can cause human carcinogens when inhaled.

Nongshim said that what was detected in its noodle products was 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), not ethylene oxide (EO).2-CE is a harmful substance that can be generated as a by-product of EO, a pesticide substance. It is known to have no carcinogen, unlike EO.

“Taiwan and Europe regarded the two substances as identical and announced that they found ethylene oxide in the product, but the truth is that what they had detected was 2-chloroethanol,” a Nongshim official said. “Korea and the United States consider the two substances different.”

Nongshim emphasized that it takes this incident as a wake-up call andwill further strengthen its raw material analysis with

In response, Korean consumer groups insisted that Nongshim’s productsbe thoroughly examined and tested for harmful substances. “It is difficult to understand Nongshim’s statement that the substance is not a carcinogen and has no problem with the human body,” the Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty said in a statement released on Jan. 19. “We cannot trust its statement that there is no problem with its noodle products sold in Korea as no harmfulsubstance has been detected.”

Controversy over Nongshim's Shin Ramyun Likely to Continue for Some Time (2024)

FAQs

Controversy over Nongshim's Shin Ramyun Likely to Continue for Some Time? ›

Nongshim said that contrary to media reports, the products did not contain carcinogens. But as consumer groups have insisted that Nongshim's products be thoroughly examined for harmful substances, the controversy is likely to stay for some time.

What is the issue with Shin Ramyun? ›

Nongshim ramen products face scrutiny after recall over cancer-causing chemical. South Korean food company Nongshim is facing scrutiny from consumer groups in Korea following the recall of its Shin Ramyun Black Tofu Kimchi instant noodles in Taiwan and Thailand, purportedly due to the detection of harmful substances.

Is Nongshim ramyun unhealthy? ›

Ramen is not inherently unhealthy, but the flavor packet provided in instant ramen does contain high amounts of sodium. Diets high in sodium are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Can Muslims eat Shin Ramyun? ›

The answer is that some but not all of their products are halal-certified. There's a number of different packaging for Shin Ramyun, which are imported by many countries including USA, China and Hong Kong - so be sure to check that the version you're buying has the halal symbol.

Did Nongshim change their recipe? ›

In August 2014, Nongshim revised its recipe for noodle blocks across its line for a chewier consistency, along with a revamped external packaging. In 2007 Nongshim launched a kimchi-flavoured version of Shin Ramyun.

Do Koreans eat Shin Ramyun? ›

This spicy noodle has long since gone global, with over 28 billion bags sold across 100 countries. While South Koreans are still the biggest consumers, countries like Japan, Vietnam, and Nepal are also eating Shin Ramyun like crazy.

Is there MSG in Shin Ramyun? ›

About Shin Ramyun Bowl

More noodles, more fresh vegetables and more delicious soup, all ready to eat in just 4 minutes. Our new formula is made with less sodium and no added MSG, so it's sure to please everyone. All our noodles are produced from farm-fresh produce, premium quality grains and the finest blend of spices.

Is Shin Ramyun carcinogenic? ›

The TFDA detected 0.075 ppm of EO, which exceeds the Taiwan standard of 0.02 ppm, and decided to destroy all 1,000 boxes of Shin Ramyun Black Tofu Kimchi Bowls. EO is defined as a class-one carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO).

What is the unhealthiest part of ramen? ›

The two main concerns about instant ramen are the fact that it's loaded with sodium (particularly the seasoning packet) and the fact that the noodles are not that nutricious. You can make it "healthier" by using less or no seasoning, using your own, adding protein, veg, and egg.

Is Shin Ramyun safe to eat raw? ›

Whether you realized it or not, instant ramen actually comes pre-cooked. That's why it's so safe to eat ramen raw, in its pre-boiled form. For your reference, the process of making ramen has pretty much remained the same since its inception in the 1950s.

What meat is in Shin Ramyun? ›

Instant ramyun comes with packets of dehydrated garnishes including chile pepper, scallions, mushrooms, and thin flakes of beef.

What ramen can Muslims eat? ›

It depends on the specific ingredients used to make the chicken ramen. In general, if the chicken used to make the broth and any other meat ingredients are slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws, and there are no other non-halal ingredients added to the recipe, then the chicken ramen would be considered halal.

Is Shin Ramyun spicy for Indians? ›

This iconic noodle soup is renowned for its bold and spicy profile, featuring a harmonious blend of premium ingredients that elevate the taste experience.

What happened to Shin Ramyun? ›

Last month, Nongshim's Shin Ramyun Black Tofu Kimchi Bowl Noodles were suspended from retailing in Taiwan and Thailand due to the detection of harmful substances in them. Nongshim said that contrary to media reports, the products did not contain carcinogens.

Why is Nongshim so expensive? ›

The company explained the high production cost due to inflation has led it to increase the prices of these food items. Local suppliers raised the costs of raw ingredients, such as flour, after the second quarter, adding more burden to the company, Nongshim said.

Is Nongshim ramen unhealthy? ›

Though instant ramen noodles provide iron, B vitamins and manganese, they lack fiber, protein and other crucial vitamins and minerals. Additionally, their MSG, TBHQ and high sodium contents may negatively affect health, such as by increasing your risk of heart disease, stomach cancer and metabolic syndrome.

Is Shin Ramyun made with pork? ›

The soup base is made with a combination of beef, pork, and chicken, which gives it a deep and hearty flavor. It has a spicy kick to satisfy those who enjoy a bit of heat in their noodles. The noodles are made with high-quality wheat flour, and the garnish includes real pieces of vegetables, mushrooms, and meat.

What is Shin Ramyun supposed to taste like? ›

Salty and spicy with a mild ocean aroma and bits of rehydrated shiitake mushroom and scallion floating in a thin but flavorful broth.

What's the difference between Shin Ramyun and Shin Black? ›

2) Shin Black has 2 broth packets - the chili mix kicks up the spiciness and the soup mix which makes the broth thicker and tastier. Regular Shin only has 1 broth packet, but it makes a super spicy broth.

What is inside Shin Ramyun? ›

Noodle: Wheat flour, palm oil, potato starch, salt. Soup Powder: Salt, spices (red pepper, garlic, black pepper, onion powder), flavour enhancers (E621, E627, E631), sugar, soy bean paste powder (wheat flour, soy bean, salt). Vegetable Powder: Dried green onion, dried carrot, dried mushroom, dried red pepper.

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