Instant noodles and the risk of cancer – should we be concerned? New warning on instant noodles

Could a quick takeaway soup pose a silent threat to our health? In recent weeks, a video surfaced online showing a package of ramen soup with a "warning: cancer and reproductive harm" label. This has fueled a heated debate about the impact of instant noodles on the reproductive system. But what does the science say?

The video quickly went viral. It appeared on Instagram with the label "Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm." This label complies with California's Prop 65 law, which requires warnings if a product contains substances deemed potentially carcinogenic by the California Department of Health. This doesn't necessarily mean the soup package is actually harmful. Is this more of a precautionary measure by the manufacturers, or evidence of a real risk?

a) 3-MCPD and glycidol. Independent studies (e.g., the Hong Kong Consumer Council) have shown the presence of these compounds in as many as 90% of tested soup samples, indicating a potential cancer risk. 3-MCPD has been classified as a "possible human carcinogen," while glycidol is classified as a "genotoxic carcinogen."

b) Ethylene oxide In some countries (e.g. Malaysia, Taiwan, Nigeria), batches of Indomie and Ah Lai soups labelled "Special Chicken Flavor" were recalled after ethylene oxide, a compound linked to lymphatic cancer and reproductive and genetic damage, was detected.

c) TBHQ, acrylamide, BPA. Additives used in industrial soup production, such as the preservative TBHQ, can cause genetic changes and liver damage (animal studies). Furthermore, plastic packaging can release bisphenol A (BPA), which affects the hormonal reproductive system. The frying process leads to the formation of acrylamide, considered a potential carcinogen.

Some studies (e.g., OnlyMyHealth) have linked frequent consumption of soups with decreased fertility—due to the presence of BPA, MSG, high sodium, and preservatives. Furthermore, excess salt and unhealthy fats can lead to decreased sperm quality and hormonal imbalances in women.

Epidemiological studies (including those in Korea) link the consumption of large amounts of salty soups and their additives to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Although a direct link between soups and reproductive cancer has not been unequivocally confirmed, biological mechanisms—such as the action of genotoxic substances, hormone disruptors, and acrylamide formation—are well documented.

A few years ago, the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate withdrew one of China noodles from production. This is just one example of the harmful effects of this food product and the government's preventive measures. The cause was ethylene oxide. This gas smells like ether. It is flammable, colorless, and extremely toxic. It is used in the production of solvents, adhesives, cleaning products , and for sterilizing medical equipment , among other things. It certainly should not be included in our diet.

Worse still, this substance has been classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic —meaning it can cause genetic changes and cancer. Under EU law, ethylene oxide is banned in food production within the European Union. Despite this, traces of it have been increasingly detected in imported products in recent years.

It was about the product:

• Nongshim Shin Kimchi, 120 g

• Batch number: TE21

• Best before date: 19/05/2022

• Manufacturer: Nongshim Co., LTD, South Korea

This substance was first detected in food in September 2020 – in Indian products containing sesame seeds. Manufacturers used it to eliminate bacteria (e.g., salmonella) . While the goal was noble, the method was illegal. Ethylene oxide has too high a toxic potential to be used for food disinfection.