In South Korea, the government asks people to stop eating fried sticks

A strange food trend has spread virally on social media South Korea – fried sticks – and the government even had to intervene asking people to stop eating this potentially dangerous snack.

Korean sticks are made from cornstarch and are therefore environmentally friendly as they decompose naturally. However, after internet users in South Korea discovered that the sticks could be fried and turned into a “crunchy and delicious” snack, many started following the trend.

Several videos even started to appear on social media presenting different topping ideas, such as cheese, seasonings, instant ramen soup powder and much more.

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued a statement in a rather unusual social media post:

Although the safety of the sticks has been verified, their safety as food has not been verified, so please stop eating them.

#녹말이쑤시개 먹는 제품이 아닙니다! ❌
녹말이쑤시개는 #위생용품 입니다!
위생용품은 성분·제조방법·용도에 대한 기준·규격에 따라 안전성이 관리되고 있으나 #식품으로서 안전성은 검증된 바 없습니다. #섭취하지마세요! ❌ pic.twitter.com/OPNMDc1ofq

— 식품의약품안전처 (@TheMFDS) January 24, 2024

According to local reports, the sticks contain a food additive known as “sorbitol,” which is harmless in small amounts but can cause vomiting, diarrhea and inflammation if consumed in excess.