Carcinogens detected in China's instant noodles (2024)

In short

Simplifying... Inshort

  • A recent study has revealed that instant noodles contain potentially harmful ingredients, including a possible carcinogen called 3-MCPD and high levels of sodium.

  • Even so-called healthy non-fried noodle varieties were found to exceed the World Health Organization's recommended intake limits for sodium and fat.

  • While no direct link between instant noodles and cancer has been established, the industry is being urged to improve quality control.

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Carcinogens detected in China's instant noodles (1)

By Simran Jeet

Feb 16, 2024

01:55 pm

What's the story

Hong Kong's consumer watchdog has reported that nearly 90% of instant noodles tested contain potential carcinogenic contaminants. According to a recent study, the Consumer Council disclosed that they found potential cancer-causing chemicals, namely 3-MCPD and glycidol, in 17 out of 19 samples of pre-packaged fried and non-fried instant noodles. The council has urged the industry to prioritize public health by reducing such harmful substances.

Limit exceeding

Excessive palm oil

Among the tested instant noodles, three varieties—Kung Tak Lam Vegetarian Noodle (Mushroom), Meadows Tom Yum Flavour Instant Noodles, and Mamee Pepper Noodles—were identified with seasoning packets containing palm oil. These samples exceeded the limits set by European Union EU of respective vegetable oils. Specifically, the first two noodles contained 3,100 µg/kg of 3-MCPD, while the third had 5,111 µg/kg of glycidol.

Harmful ingredients

3-MCPD is a 'possible human carcinogen'

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified 3-MCPD as a "possible human carcinogen," while glycidol is categorized as a genotoxic carcinogen. EU regulations for palm oil specify a maximum limit of 2,500 micrograms/kg for the total 3-MCPD and its fatty acid esters. Additionally, the maximum allowable level of glycidol in general edible vegetable oil is set at 1,000 micrograms/kg.

High sodium found

High amounts of sodium were also found

The sodium content in the tested samples varied between 1,509 milligrams and 2,477 milligrams. All samples surpassed the recommended adult intake limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) at 667 milligrams per meal for adults consuming one full serving (noodles with sauce). The WHO suggests that adults should aim to consume less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day.

Non-fried noodles

Exceeding the WHO limit

The watchdog noted that so claimed healthy non-fried noodle varieties were not an exception as all samples were found to have high sodium levels. According to the watchdog, the sodium intake from nine of these samples surpassed the recommended daily intake limit for adults. Additionally, the highest sample contained 2,477 milligrams of sodium, which was almost 23.9 percent higher than the WHO's recommendation.

High fat

Even fats were present beyond measures

Among the nine samples, a single serving of non-fried prima taste's premium noodle surpassed the recommended adult intake limits for both total fat and saturated fat. With 34.1 grams of total fat and 22.4 grams of saturated fat, from its seasonings and toppings, it exceeded the WHO's suggested maximum intake per meal of 22.2 grams of total fat and 7.4 grams of saturated fat.

Other retailer

Watchdog warns of cardiovascular health hazards

The producers of Prime Taste's noodles emphasized that the levels of 3-MCPD and glycidol detected in their product fell below the upper limit specified by the EU standard, affirming its safety for consumption. The watchdog cautioned against elevated saturated fat and sodium intake as excessive consumption of both could also pose significant cardiovascular health hazards.

Urge to reduce

The council is urging the industry to increase control

Neither Hong Kong nor the EU have established maximum limits for the detected levels of 3-MCPD and glycidol in instant noodles and their seasonings. Although scientific research has not established a direct link between consuming instant noodles and increased cancer risk, the council is urging the industry to increase control over the quality of raw materials and production processes.

Retailers explain

The products have been withdrawn from shelves

The distributor of Meadows noodles stated that while the questioned products complied with city regulations, they had been withdrawn from shelves. They are also committed to enhancing the quality of their future products. The manufacturer of Mamee affirmed that the detected levels of 3-MCPD and glycidol in their product met the standards outlined in the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations of WHO

Carcinogens detected in China's instant noodles (2024)

FAQs

Are there carcinogens in instant noodles? ›

Potential carcinogens found in almost 90% of instant noodles tested by Hong Kong's consumer watchdog. The first two contained 3,100 ug/kg of 3-MCPD, while the third had 5,111 ug/kg of glycidol in its seasoning.

Why does tapatio ramen have a cancer warning? ›

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

What is the warning on buldak ramen? ›

The three products from Samyang instant ramen line - Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken, 2x Spicy & Hot Chicken, and Hot Chicken Stew -- were being withdrawn from sale in Denmark. The level in a single packet of the noodles was "so high that they pose a risk of the consumer developing acute poisoning", the Danish body said.

What is the healthiest instant noodle? ›

Best overall

Immi is 100% plant-based, keto-friendly, and high in protein. It also mimics classic instant ramen flavors like Tom Yum Shrimp and Creamy Chicken.

Should I avoid instant noodles? ›

Though instant ramen noodles provide iron, B vitamins and manganese, they lack fiber, protein and other crucial vitamins and minerals. Additionally, their MSG, TBHQ and high sodium contents may negatively affect health, such as by increasing your risk of heart disease, stomach cancer and metabolic syndrome.

What is the most unhealthy part of instant noodles? ›

These noodles are typically high in sodium, artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives. They may not be beneficial for our health.

Should I be worried about prop 65? ›

Is it safe to use products with this warning? Most likely, yes. Just because you see a Proposition 65 warning doesn't mean the product will harm you.

Is it safe to eat food with a P65 warning? ›

Similarly, some foods contain Proposition 65-listed chemicals. This does not mean that these foods should never be eaten. But interested consumers can decide what and how often to eat certain foods if they wish to reduce their exposure to these chemicals.

Does Taco Bell have cancer warnings? ›

At the bottom of Taco Bell's website is an alert that food and drinks sold by the company may expose customers to potentially harmful chemicals, including acrylamide in fried food and mercury in fish.

Why did Denmark ban ramen? ›

Recently, their fiery nature led to a spicy scandal in Denmark, where Buldak Ramen noodles were banned for being 'dangerously hot'. Denmark's food agency issued a recall and warning on Tuesday, asking consumers to stop using Buldak Ramen noodles immediately.

Why is Buldak banned? ›

Recently, their fiery nature has even caused a bit of a stir in Denmark, where Buldak Ramen noodles have been banned for being dangerously spicy.

Why do they say ramen is bad for you? ›

Instant ramen noodles are very high in sodium, with one package containing 1,760 milligrams (mg) of sodium, or 88% of the two-gram recommendation by the World Health Organization.” You could say I was definitely overdoing the sodium. “In the US, we eat on average about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day,” Dr.

Is it OK to eat 1 instant noodles everyday? ›

While instant ramen is not bad for you, it isn't recommended as a single food daily or multiple times per day on its own due to its high-sodium flavoring packet or broth. Adding additional toppings, such as protein and vegetables, to the wheat noodle and broth base can increase its nutrition profile.

Which noodles are healthy to eat everyday? ›

Best Pastas You Can Eat
  • Whole-Wheat Pasta. 1/10. Also called whole-grain pasta, this type of pasta keeps the bran, endosperm, and germ of the grain together. ...
  • Chickpea Pasta. 2/10. ...
  • Legume-Based Pastas. 3/10. ...
  • Soba Noodles. 4/10. ...
  • Rice Noodles. 5/10. ...
  • Quinoa Pasta. 6/10. ...
  • Vegetable Noodles. 7/10. ...
  • White Pasta. 8/10.
Aug 23, 2022

Is there such a thing as a healthy ramen noodle? ›

SUNGIVEN Organic Ramen Noodles, Healthy Low Sodium Noodles, Ready in 3 Minutes, Non-Fried Instant Noodles, No Additives or Preservatives, 2.46 OZ (Pack of 10) 24.69 Oz. This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

What are the chemicals in instant noodles? ›

Typical flavor enhancers are disodium succinate (WSA), monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium 5′-ribonucleotides and so on. COLORANT: Coloring agents can impart and improve the color of food to enhance appetite. This is why the instant noodles sauce looks so “delicious”.

How often is it safe to eat instant noodles? ›

The ideal frequency is between two to three times a week only. They should not be consumed solely, since the dish itself lacks certain key nutrition groups such as protein and fiber, leaving a risk of having malnutrition if consumed in the long term.

Is there pesticide in instant noodles? ›

“Yes, even though the pesticide residues in instant noodles are very low, there are minimal health problems, consumers must remain wise in choosing and consuming processed foods to achieve maximum health conditions,” he said.

Is there lead in instant noodles? ›

Results: The results show that the levels of Pb, As, and Cd found in instant noodles do not exceed the maximum allowable limits set forth by the FDA and EFSA. A significant difference between rice and wheat noodles is noted for As and Pb concentrations, where rice > wheat (p<0.05).

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