Exploring the Surprising Trend: The Growing Popularity of Fried Toothpicks Among South Koreans

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has issued a warning urging people to refrain from eating deep-fried toothpicks. This comes after videos of individuals preparing and consuming these toothpicks went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, particularly in South Korea.

The MFDS expressed concern about the trend and emphasized that these toothpicks are not intended for consumption. In a post on Twitter, the ministry stated, “This is not a product to eat! Their safety as food has not been verified!”

The videos depict individuals frying toothpicks until they resemble curly fries. However, unlike the wooden toothpicks commonly used in the United States, most toothpicks in South Korea are made of corn or potato starch mixed with sorbitol, a naturally occurring sweet sugar alcohol found in various fruits. As a result, these toothpicks are biodegradable and dissolve in water. They are frequently used in restaurants and often dyed green.

The emergence of these fried toothpick videos is part of the growing popularity of “Mukbang” videos in South Korea. These videos showcase content creators consuming excessive amounts of strange or unusual foods. In 2018, the South Korean government attempted to introduce regulations on Mukbang videos to prevent them from promoting binge eating and posing risks to public health. However, these regulations faced significant opposition from citizens who believed they infringed upon personal freedoms, and they were ultimately not implemented.

It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and prioritize their health when participating in viral food trends. The MFDS warning serves as a reminder to consider the safety and suitability of unusual food practices before engaging in them.