Video of Korean Ramen Packaging Spreads Among Overseas Netizens
Debate Erupts Over "Cancer and Reproductive Harm" Warning
Ramen Industry: "Not a Health Risk, But a Legal Requirement for Prevention"
Overseas, it has spread online that the back of a Korean company's ramen package includes a warning about "cancer and reproductive harm." The ramen industry clarified that this warning does not indicate an actual risk to human health, but is a measure required by law in certain regions such as some states in the United States.
Warning text on the packaging of ramen from a Korean company is causing controversy online. Instagram capture.
According to Indian media outlet Livemint on June 23 (local time), a video was recently posted on an Instagram account showing the back of a Korean ramen package.
The video features two different ramen brands, with the back of each package flipped over to reveal the small text "Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm." Next to the barcode on the ramen package, there is also a label stating "For Americas."
Since being posted, the video has received more than 53,000 likes and over 800 comments, becoming a hot topic online and spreading across various social media platforms. The video uploader wrote, "Is there really such a warning on ramen?" and added, "Cancer, reproductive harm? Read the label carefully."
Online users showed mixed reactions. Some said they became aware of potential harm for the first time after seeing the warning and expressed concern, while others countered that it is already well-known that processed foods like instant ramen can be harmful to health.
One user commented, "Any food can be harmful if consumed excessively. I eat it about six times a year, but it is too spicy." Another said, "It already seems unhealthy to eat it, so wouldn't it be better to eat spaghetti instead?" Yet another user claimed, "Consider the low birth rates in Korea and Japan." Another explained, "In many cases, the packaging itself is harmful. The heat-printed packaging comes into contact with the skin, exposing people to harmful chemicals above the standard limits, which is why such warnings are attached."
According to the domestic ramen industry, this warning is required under California's Proposition 65 regulation. If any product sold in California contains heavy metals or carcinogenic substances (over 1,000 types), this warning must be displayed to inform consumers, and nearly 100% of products must include this text. Not displaying the warning can actually result in penalties under the regulation.
An industry representative explained, "This does not mean that the product actually contains harmful substances or poses a risk to human health. Rather, the warning is attached to prevent legal disputes and reduce corporate risk within the United States." The representative added, "For these reasons, this warning is commonly attached to a wide range of products distributed in the United States, including food."
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