Ramyun (Korean noodle) lovers who struggle over a too spicy bowl will soon be able to pick and choose what matches their palate, courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which announced its intent to pass an addendum to the Korean Industrial Standards on October 25 requiring noodle makers to provide a ‘spiciness meter’ on product packaging. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – Ramyun (Korean noodle) lovers who struggle over a too spicy bowl will soon be able to pick and choose what matches their palate courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which announced its intent to pass an addendum to the Korean Industrial Standards on October 25 requiring noodle makers to provide a ‘spiciness meter’ on product packaging.
Under 80 is ‘Mild’, 80 through 180 is ‘Average’ and 180 through 280 is ‘Spicy’. Finally, over 280 gets a ‘Very Spicy’ label. (Image: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)
Under the proposed regulation, the powdered soup bases found in noodle packages must be tested for their levels of heat-inducing spice (in mg/kg). Under 80 is ‘Mild’, 80 through 180 is ‘Average’ and 180 through 280 is ‘Spicy’. Finally, over 280 gets a ‘Very Spicy’ label.
The addendum requires noodle makers to provide the information, but how they choose to display it will be up to them. It also requires an outside inspector to periodically check the spiciness of the noodles.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
