[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Samyang Foods has voluntarily recalled its “Buldak Carbonara Spicy Noodles” sold in Europe following a safety notice issued by German authorities, citing differences in regulatory standards.

According to Germany’s official food safety portal Lebensmittelwarnung on April 24, the product was recalled due to elevated levels of glycidyl fatty acid esters, substances that may pose potential health risks.

German authorities advised consumers not to consume the product and to return it to retailers for a full refund without requiring a receipt.

Samyang Foods stated that the issue stems from the absence of specific EU regulations governing glycidol levels in instant noodles. Glycidol is a potentially harmful compound formed during the digestion of glycidyl fatty acid esters, which can occur when vegetable oils such as palm oil are refined at high temperatures.

The company explained that the European Union currently sets glycidol limits only for infant formula and vegetable oils, not for instant noodle products like Buldak.

However, Germany’s Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety reportedly applied the standard for vegetable oils to the noodle product, leading to the recall.

Samyang emphasized that the recall was not due to a confirmed product defect but rather differing interpretations of regulatory standards, and that it chose to proceed voluntarily while continuing discussions with local authorities.

The company also noted that independent testing conducted by a local laboratory on products from the same batch confirmed compliance with EU limits for vegetable oil standards.

“Despite this, we have decided to implement a preemptive voluntary recall, placing top priority on consumer trust,” the company said, adding that it will continue close communication with regulators to resolve outstanding issues.

 

 

[ⓒ 알파경제. 무단전재-재배포 금지]