South Korea's Food Ministry issued a health warning to the public against eating starchy fried toothpicks shaped like curly fries after social media posts spread the habit.
A video clip showing people eating fried starch toothpicks with grated cheese and other seasonings has received thousands of likes and shares on TikTok and Instagram.
“The food safety has not been verified,” the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday. “Please don't eat (them).”
A video of a person frying toothpicks, which are sanitary products, in oil and eating them has gone viral.
Food coloring is used to give toothpicks a green tint made from sweet potato or cornstarch, which is considered environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
It is commonly used in Korean restaurants and can also be used to pinch finger foods.
In South Korea, online binge eating shows called “Mukbang,'' which show people eating excessive amounts of food or unusual dishes, are popular.
“It's so crunchy,” one TikTok user said in a video, chewing on a fried toothpick.
