Korean Spicy Noodles Controversy

Ans)

1.B) The noodles have excessive capsaicin levels posing toxicity risks.

Explanation: The article states that Danish authorities banned the noodles due to dangerously high levels of capsaicin, posing toxicity risks, especially to children.

2.B) The authorities included the weight of the entire noodle pack, not just the seasoning powder.

Explanation: Samyang Foods claims that Danish authorities made an error by including the weight of the entire noodle pack in their capsaicin assessment, which overestimates the actual capsaicin content.

3.C) Scoville Heat Units

Explanation: The article mentions that capsaicin is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

4.D) The popularity of Korean cuisine

Explanation: The article highlights how cultural differences in food tolerance and regulations play a role in the controversy.

           5.A) sharp or severe in effect

Explanation: "Acute" in this context means severe or intense, referring to the toxicity risks mentioned by Danish authorities.

6.B) They will provide evidence from certified laboratories.

Explanation: Samyang Foods plans to provide evidence from certified laboratories to support their claim that capsaicin levels are within safe limits.

7.B) It has led to an increase in curiosity and popularity.

Explanation: The article suggests that the controversy might actually increase the popularity of their noodles worldwide.

8.C) the sensation of spiciness

Explanation: "Toxicity" in this context refers to the potential harmful effects of high levels of capsaicin.

9.A) They used an outdated measurement technique.

Explanation: Samyang Foods argues that the Danish authorities included the weight of the entire noodle pack, leading to an overestimation of capsaicin content.

10.B) Higher temperature

Explanation: Higher Scoville Heat Units (SHU) indicate a higher concentration of capsaicin, resulting in more intense spiciness.

11.A) It draws attention and curiosity towards the product.

Explanation: The article suggests that the controversy might increase curiosity and popularity of the noodles worldwide.

12. B) It underscores differences in food safety standards.

Explanation: The controversy highlights cultural differences in food safety standards and tolerance for spicy foods.

13.A) Capsaicin

Explanation: Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers that causes the sensation of heat.

14.B) By providing evidence from certified laboratories

Explanation: Samyang Foods plans to provide evidence from certified laboratories to support their claim that the capsaicin levels are safe.

15.B) They claim the noodles contain dangerously high levels of capsaicin.

Explanation: Danish authorities are concerned about the high levels of capsaicin, which they believe pose toxicity risks.

16.A) Different cultures have varying levels of tolerance for spicy foods.

Explanation: The article highlights that cultural differences in tolerance for spicy foods and food regulations are a significant aspect of the controversy.

Writing Example

Essay

Strict food safety regulations are essential for protecting public health, but they can also create challenges for food manufacturers. The recent controversy over Samyang Foods' Buldak Bokkeummyun noodles highlights both the benefits and drawbacks of such regulations.

On one hand, strict food safety regulations ensure that products on the market are safe for consumption. In Denmark, authorities banned and recalled Samyang Foods' noodles due to dangerously high levels of capsaicin, the component that gives chili peppers their heat. High levels of capsaicin can pose acute toxicity risks, especially to children. This action demonstrates how regulations can protect consumers from potential health hazards.

However, these regulations can also pose significant challenges for food manufacturers. Samyang Foods argued that the Danish authorities made an error in their calculations by including the weight of the entire noodle pack, not just the seasoning powder. This miscalculation, according to the company, significantly overestimated the actual capsaicin content. As a result, the ban may have been based on inaccurate data, potentially harming the company's reputation and sales.

Moreover, strict regulations can create barriers to market entry, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ensuring compliance with varying international standards can be costly and time-consuming. In this case, Samyang Foods must work with international authorities to prove that their products meet safety standards, which may require substantial financial and logistical resources.

In conclusion, while strict food safety regulations are crucial for consumer protection, they can also create significant challenges for food manufacturers. The controversy over Samyang Foods' noodles underscores the importance of accurate assessments and the need for balanced regulations that protect public health without unduly burdening businesses. (words: 273)

Short writing

• 1.Answer: Danish authorities banned and recalled the noodles due to dangerously high levels of capsaicin, posing toxicity risks.
  

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• 2.Answer: Samyang Foods argued that the Danish authorities included the weight of the entire noodle pack, not just the seasoning powder, in their calculations.
  

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• 3.Answer: Strict food safety regulations can create barriers to market entry, making compliance costly and time-consuming for SMEs.
  

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