DOH Recall Korean Noodles

DOH Recall affected Korean Noodles.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued a recall for affected Korean noodles since 30 October 2012 after validation, coordination, and consultations with the Korean FDA.

The Philippine government, as a line of defense to protect the Filipino public in matters of food safety, undertook:

a. Discussions with the importers of Korean noodles and they agreed on a rapid recall and inventory. To date, only two active importers have these 6 affected Korean noodles. The companies are: Nextrade Philippines and Assi Philippine Trading Corporation. Five (5) other importers have either closed shop or are not trading the affected noodle products. There are 55 brands of Korean noodles but only 6 brands have been confirmed as the affected brands with Benzopyrene. The 6 brands are:NongshimNeoguri Mild, Nong Shim Big Bowl Noodle Shrimp, Nong Shim SaengSaengUdon Bowl Noodles, Nong Shim SaengSaenUdon, Nong Shim Neoguri Hot, Nong Shim Neoguri Hot Multi. The affected ones have particular expiration dates for identification and tracking. Many of these products have expired dates for consumption already while only one product extend until January 2013. Other Korean noodle brands are safe for consumption. Korean noodles in the Philippines must have corresponding English translation of product details in the label.

b. As of 5 Nov 2012, FDA inspectors have reported recall of 13 boxes and 124 loose pieces of the affected Korean Noodle products. There is assurance that such products are no longer in the market shelves. 

c. Additionally, FDA laboratory has been undertaking Benzopyrene analytical assessment as part of due diligence for the affected brands and non-affected brands. Results will be released in due time.

d. Temporary ban on the importation of the affected brands has been issued until such time that lab tests have proven that the levels are within acceptable limits and safe for consumption and Korean authorities have provided assurance of safety for future batches of the products.

e. The DOH is in coordination with Bureau of Customs and Department of Trade & Industry on the matter and the matter will be resolved soon.

f. Current risk assessment of the issue informs us that the affected brands source of benzopyrene, a cancer potential chemical is from the dried bonito powder, which may have occurred due to smoking process. Based on Korean authority lab analysis, the levels range from 0.4 to 1.6 ppb, and almost no harmful effects on human body. But as a precautionary measure, recall was done.

g. If necessary to compare, a rough estimate is smoking ten cigarettes sticks is equivalent to eating 60 bowls of the affected Korean Noodle products.

source:DOH Facebook page