Warning over dangerous TikTok trend that sees people eating cooked toothpicks

29 January 2024 , 16:22

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People have been warned against eating them

South Korea is famous for many beautiful things including its rich culture and history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. However, a recent food trend that has gained notoriety on social media has caused its health authorities to issue an urgent warning.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety addressed the growing popularity of eating deep-fried toothpicks. It wrote: "Their safety as food has not been verified. Please do not eat (them)."

The compostable toothpicks are when deep-fried, puff up, with many calling them “poor man's curly fries”. There have been various video clips showcasing people eating deep-fried starch toothpicks dyed with food colouring and seasoned with powdered cheese.

People are eating deep-fried toothpicks as part of a TikTok trend

The toothpicks, made from sweet potato or corn starch, are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Far different to the wooden toothpicks more commonly used in the UK and US.

It's not the first time that there has been unusual foods come out of the country. In South Korea, there are popular online shows called "Mukbang" where people eat lots of food or strange dishes. The government tried to stop these shows because they were worried they might make people eat too much and harm their health, according to Time Magazine.

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But after people complained, the government didn't put any restrictions on the shows. One TikTok user who was eating the fried toothpicks said in a video: "It's very crispy."

Eve Wagstaff