'Eat Ramen Raw' Challenge Goes Viral on Social Media
Experts Advise Following Cooking Instructions
Improper Consumption Can Lead to Intestinal Obstruction and Dehydration
As fatal incidents caused by food contamination continue to occur around the world, a 13-year-old boy in Egypt died after consuming three packets of uncooked instant ramen. On August 25 (local time), British media outlet The Sun and other foreign news sources reported that a boy living in Cairo recently ate three packets of instant ramen without cooking them. Just 30 minutes later, he experienced severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and cold sweats, and eventually passed away.
Immediately after the incident, police suspected that the ramen might have been contaminated with poison and investigated the seller. However, product inspections and an autopsy revealed no toxic substances. Experts believe the cause of death was most likely acute intestinal disease or intestinal obstruction resulting from consuming a large quantity of uncooked ramen at once. Intestinal obstruction refers to a condition in which food or foreign matter blocks the intestines, preventing normal movement of intestinal contents. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, and constipation. In severe cases, blood flow to the intestines can be cut off, leading to necrosis. According to data from the Korean Society of Gastroenterology, acute intestinal obstruction often requires emergency surgery, and the mortality rate is high if not treated properly.
When uncooked ramen is consumed in its dry state, it can rapidly absorb moisture in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to dehydration. This is because the main ingredients of uncooked ramen-dried wheat flour and seasoning powder-quickly absorb water in the digestive system. During this process, body fluids are drawn into the intestines, which can cause dehydration. If vomiting occurs, electrolyte imbalance may also develop. If undigested lumps remain in the intestines, they can cause mechanical obstruction. This risk is especially high for children and adolescents, who have lower body fluid reserves.
This incident appears to be related to the 'Eat Ramen Raw' challenge, which has been spreading recently on social networking services (SNS). The challenge has gone viral, garnering millions of views, with claims that ramen can be eaten raw because it is 'pre-cooked.' However, manufacturers emphasize that ramen should always be consumed according to the cooking instructions. Additionally, following this incident, local media have highlighted the need for stricter management of additives included in processed foods.
Foreign media also introduced a similar case, in which a 20-year-old man living in Brussels, Belgium, died from food poisoning symptoms after eating tomato sauce pasta that had been left at room temperature for several days. In addition, near Diamante in Calabria, Italy, two customers died from botulinum poisoning after eating toxic guacamole sold at a food festival, and two residents died after eating panini containing vegetables and sausage.
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