South Korean health officials are alerting the public against consuming deep-fried toothpicks. This comes after social media videos showcasing the practice gained attention.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety emphasized that toothpicks are not edible. Despite being made from corn or potato starch and sorbitol, these items are not approved for human consumption. The trend involves deep-frying toothpicks, resembling curly fries, and seasoning them with powdered cheese, as depicted in various social media videos.
Toothpicks in South Korea, often green due to food colouring, are biodegradable and water-soluble. They are generally used for finger foods in restaurants. However, health officials advise against eating them, regardless of their eco-friendly nature.
This deep-fried toothpick fad is part of the larger “Mukbang video” trend. Mukbang features excessive consumption of exotic foods for online viewership. In 2021, the Chinese government banned such displays to curb food waste.
