[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] As global demand for Samyang Foods' Buldak Ramen surges, confusion is spreading internationally over a warning label on its packaging that reads: “Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm.” The label—required under California's Proposition 65—has recently gone viral on social media, prompting a wave of misinterpretation in global markets.
According to Google Trends, search queries for “Buldak cancer warning” have spiked 1,350% over the past month, while “Buldak cancer” rose 850%. This surge in concern has been especially notable in the UAE, Singapore, the Philippines, and other regions in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The confusion appears to stem from short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, which highlight the warning without explaining its regulatory context.
The label in question is a legal requirement for products sold in the state of California, where even trace amounts of certain chemicals—regardless of risk level—must be disclosed if they are listed under Proposition 65, a consumer safety law.
Samyang Foods has so far refrained from making an official statement. A company representative noted, “A premature explanation could mislead consumers into thinking the issue is exclusive to Samyang, so we are carefully monitoring the situation.”
Despite the controversy, Samyang’s stock price has surged over 25% in the past month, trading around ₩1.4 million. Its 12-month forward P/E ratio now exceeds 21x, outpacing even food giant Nestlé’s 18x. Analysts warn that lingering health concerns could weigh on Samyang’s valuation, which has already drawn scrutiny for being potentially overinflated.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
