Video of Eating Fried Toothpicks Goes Viral in South Korea

Liputan6.com, Jakarta A video of eating fried toothpicks is going viral in South Korea. The toothpicks referred to here are certainly not toothpicks made of wood or bamboo.In South Korea, most toothpicks are made of starch or corn starch.

However, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety quickly alerted the public not to eat the fried toothpicks shaped like French fries. The ministry posted on social media platform X on Wednesday (24/1) that "their safety as food has not been verified".

Previously, videos showing toothpicks, a sanitary product, being fried in oil and eaten went viral in South Korea. Video clips showing people eating toothpicks with seasonings such as powdered cheese have received thousands of likes and shares on TikTok and Instagram.

The toothpicks are green in color due to food coloring. Often used in restaurants in South Korea, these toothpicks can also be utilized to pick up small food items.Online eating shows called "Mukbang, " which often feature people eating extreme amounts or unusual dishes, are viral in South Korea.

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South Korea is urging people not to eat fried toothpicks made of starch in a shape resembling curly fries, after videos of the practice were widely shared on social media.

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"This is so crunchy," a TikTok user said while chewing on a fried toothpick in a video. However, the South Korean government has asked its people not to consume the devices.

"Please don't eat them," South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, as quoted by Reuters.