In a bizarre trend, people in South Korea have been consuming fried toothpicks, leading the government to warn against eating them. Videos online show individuals frying these deep-fried starch toothpicks and topping them with powdered cheese.
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Some even eat them as noodles or douse them in sauce. To enhance the flavor, food coloring, corn starch or sweet potato is added to the toothpicks. However, South Korea’s food ministry has emphasized that the safety of these toothpicks as food has not been verified, categorizing them as sanitary products rather than food items.
However, food products are not subject to the same safety regulations. The ministry has urged people to refrain from consuming these toothpicks, stating that their safety for consumption has not been confirmed. While South Korea is known for its enthusiasm for unique dishes and excessive food consumption, this trend has raised concerns regarding the safety of these unconventional snacks, as reported by Metro UK.
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“We are ensuring the safety in use of sanitary products by setting standards for their components, manufacturing methods and use, but we advise against eating starch toothpicks as they have not been confirmed to be safe for consumption.”
In South Korea, it is common for people to indulge in unique culinary experiences and consume large quantities of food. The rise of online eating shows, known as ‘Mukbang,’ further exemplifies this trend. In a significant development, South Korea has recently banned the production and sale of dog meat, ending a centuries-old industry. The decision was made following a parliamentary vote, which received overwhelming support.
The ban is set to take effect in 2027. Recent surveys indicate that most South Koreans do not consume dog meat and support the ban. However, there is a portion of the population, approximately one-third, who believe that the practice should remain legal despite not personally partaking in it.