Denmark recalls three Buldak ramen products as Samyang's global sales surge

In 2024, Denmark's food safety authority recalled three Samyang Foods instant noodle products from the Buldak ("fire chicken") line. Regulators said the levels of capsaicin, the compound that makes chilies hot, were high enough to pose a risk of acute poisoning, particularly for children and people sensitive to spice. Consumers were told to stop eating the noodles and return them.

The recall drew wide attention because Buldak had become a global social media phenomenon. Online "spicy noodle challenges" had spread across video platforms, turning the fiery stir-fried ramen into a viral snack well beyond South Korea. Samyang, a South Korean food maker, saw exports grow rapidly, with demand in the United States and China among the main drivers.

The episode showed both sides of the brand's rise. The Danish action raised questions about labeling and safety limits for extremely spicy foods in European markets, yet it did little to slow momentum. Samyang's overseas sales continued to climb, laying the groundwork for the record earnings that later followed.