b_chuchu_ / @hee_2458/X/Reuters
A person holds a “Fried green toothpick” which went viral following a social media trend.
A health advisory from South Korea’s food ministry has advised against consuming fried toothpicks made of starch shaped like curly fries, after the trend gained popularity on social media.
Video clips depicting individuals eating the deep-fried starch toothpicks with seasonings like powdered cheese have garnered significant attention on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
“Their safety as food has not been verified,” stated the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in a post on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. “Please do not eat (them).”
The toothpicks are usually used as a sanitary product, and videos of them being fried in oil and consumed were being widely shared, it added.
The toothpicks, made from sweet potato or corn starch and colored green using food coloring, are considered environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Although frequently used in restaurants in South Korea, they can also be utilized for picking up finger foods.
South Korea is known for its popular online videos known as “Mukbang,” which often feature people consuming an excessive amount of food or unusual dishes.
“It’s very crispy,” remarked one TikTok user in a video while munching on fried toothpicks.
