South Korea Issues Warning Against Consuming Viral Deep Fried Toothpicks Trend

A health advisory from South Korea's food ministry cautions against consuming starch-based toothpicks shaped like curly fries, following a viral trend on TikTok and Instagram. Video clips depict individuals enjoying these deep-fried toothpicks with various seasonings.

Health Experts Warning: South Korean Toothpicks Are Not Edible

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, January 24, a stern warning against consuming fried toothpicks made of starch, emphasizing that their safety as food has not been verified.

The ministry underscored that starch toothpicks are hygiene products governed by standards for ingredients, manufacturing methods, and uses, but their suitability as food remains unconfirmed.

The cautionary message follows the viral trend of people posting videos of themselves frying and eating these toothpicks. This practice is part of South Korea's ongoing "Mukbang" craze, where individuals film themselves consuming excessive amounts of various foods.

The toothpicks, made from sweet potato or corn starch and colored green for environmental friendliness, are commonly used in South Korean restaurants and for picking up finger foods.

TikTok and Instagram are flooded with videos featuring users enhancing the flavor of the fried toothpicks, which resemble fries after cooking. Despite the trend's popularity, skepticism and criticism have emerged, questioning the appeal of eating toothpicks, which, unlike those in the US, are not made of wood but dissolve in water due to their starch composition.

A viral TikTok video showcased a woman soaking green toothpicks, made of sweet potato and corn starch, frying them, and consuming them in a bowl. While some find the trend perplexing, others criticize the lack of flavor in toothpicks and express concern about the risks involved.

This toothpick trend is not the first time authorities have intervened to caution against risky consumption practices. In 2018, the "Tide pod challenge" saw individuals ingesting brightly colored laundry detergent packets, prompting warnings from authorities and the manufacturer, Procter & Gamble, due to the associated health risks.

Mukbang Trends and the Ongoing Debate on Public Health Impact

The rise of fried toothpicks on social media is the latest manifestation of the popular South Korean trend known as "Mukbang" videos. Mukbang involves content creators eating copious amounts of unconventional foods while engaging with viewers.

Although Mukbang has gained popularity as a form of online entertainment, offering a communal meal experience, a sense of fullness without actual food consumption, and a calming effect on the mind, it has also been linked to negative impacts such as obesity, overeating, eating disorders, misconceptions about food and leanness, and poor table manners.

In response to the potential health risks associated with Mukbang, the South Korean government attempted to introduce regulations in 2018 to prevent the promotion of binge eating and protect public health. However, these proposed regulations faced strong opposition from citizens who perceived them as an excessive exercise of government authority.

As a result, the regulations were not adopted, highlighting the challenges of balancing entertainment trends with concerns about their impact on public health.

The emergence of fried toothpicks as a trend within the Mukbang genre underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the consequences of such online content and the delicate balance between individual choice and public health considerations.

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