Spicy noodle enthusiasts can continue to perspire in peace, as the popular Buldak 'hot chicken' products - at the centre of a highly publicised recall in Denmark - will remain on New Zealand shelves.
Earlier this month, it was reported that three varieties of the Samyang brand 'Buldak' instant ramen noodles had been recalled in Denmark after they were deemed too spicy to be safely consumed.
In a statement, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said the high level of capsaicin found in Samyang's Buldak 3x Spicy Hot Chicken, Buldak 2x Spicy Hot Chicken, and Buldak Hot Chicken Stew flavours could be potentially poisonous, with particular concern for children and the elderly.
Capsaicin, an active component of chilli peppers, is a chemical irritant for mammals, including humans - hence the burning sensation when it comes into contact with tissue. The Korean term "buldak" translates to "fire chicken", in fact.
The instant noodles were launched in 2012 and popularised by the viral 'Fire Noodle Challenge" on social media - a trend that rapper Cardi B reignited on TikTok in March. The premise of the original challenge was simple (in theory): participants would just need to finish an entire serving of Samyang's Buldak extra spicy noodles.
However, fans of fiery food in Aotearoa need not fret, according to New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS), which issued a statement on Wednesday rejecting the need for a nationwide recall.
NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said there is "no need" for a recall of the noodles in New Zealand, noting there is no established limit for capsaicin levels.
"As the products are available here, and there is no established limit for capsaicin levels in New Zealand, NZFS conducted a risk assessment to see whether a recall was necessary," Arbuckle said.
"NZFS noted that these products do contain high levels of capsaicin, but they are clearly labelled to indicate their increased spiciness.
"While the products may present risk to frail elderly people and young children, which was the basis for Denmark's recall, these groups are not the intended consumers.
"Should consumers experience discomfort when eating these products, they will know the product is too spicy for them and will naturally stop eating them.
"As always, if we consider there to be a food safety risk, we will take swift action, including recalling the product for public safety. We do not consider that there is a food safety or suitability risk in this case."
Arbuckle added that NZFS has received no complaints about the products or reports of adverse reactions.
When news of the Denmark recall hit the headlines, South Korean noodle giant Samyang was quick to refute that a quality issue was to blame.
A spokesperson told CNN that the noodles are "so spicy, it could cause problems", adding: "This is the first time they've been subject to (a) recall for this reason."
The Danish regulator didn't reveal whether the recall was prompted by a specific incident; however, it did urge consumers to either discard the noodles or return them to the place of purchase.
Instant noodles originated in Japan but have since become a staple across Asia. Samyang claims it produced South Korea's first instant ramen in 1963, when the country was embroiled in post-war poverty and needed cheap, accessible food.
Buldak was developed by Samyang's chief executive, Kim Jung-soo, a housewife who married into the family business and eventually took over, as per CNN. She told the Wall Street Journal in January that she was inspired by a spicy stir fry.
