Instant noodles, long-term risks

Viral videos apart, foods like instant noodles are just one small component of the ultra processed wave

- SREYA DEB

EARLIER THIS YEAR, a viral video piqued the interest of many viewers, especially lovers of instant noodles and similar ultra-processed food items, after a user flagged a potential health risk linked to a popular ramen brand.

In the video, the individual is seen revealing a disturbing label on the back of a noodle packet, which read, "Warning: Cancer and reproductive harm."

Incidentally, the 'warning' can be seen only in California, as a certain regulation in the western US state requires companies to display such labels on products that may expose users to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.

The overt revelation caused a ripple effect of shock and horror among all ramen lovers across the world. Ultra-processed foods have often come under the scanner for their low nutritional value and high calorie density, but the video triggered new concerns and left ramen lovers shocked as to how something as common as instant noodles may not be as safe as it is tasty.

The revelation of the video is not totally unfounded. According to a study published by Hong Kong's Consumer Council early last year, almost 90% of instant noodles that were tested were found to contain potential carcinogenic contaminants. As such, the consumer watchdog urged the industry to reduce production of harmful substances to safeguard public health.

Doctors maintain that a single packet of ramen cannot be the only cause of cancer, but constant overconsumption of any of these ultra-processed foods impacts other immunity markers, which can certainly increase the risk of cancer.