What ramen noodles got recalled?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Several food safety incidents have prompted consumers to question the safety of instant meals, leading many to wonder: what ramen noodles got recalled? In recent years, recalls have occurred for undeclared allergens, product mislabeling, and, in one international case, excessive spice levels.

Quick Summary

A summary of recent ramen noodle recalls affecting various brands due to issues like undeclared allergens (egg, soy, sesame), mislabeling, or high capsaicin content.

Key Points

Undeclared Allergens: Many ramen recalls, including recent ones, are for undeclared allergens such as egg, soy, sesame, and shrimp.
Recent Recalls: Key affected brands in 2024 and 2025 include Sun Noodle, Kobayashi Noodle USA, Nissin, and Japan Food Express Ltd..
International Cases: Some recalls, like the one for Samyang Buldak in Denmark, have been for non-allergen reasons, such as excessive spiciness.
Verify Information: Viral social media claims about deadly bacteria in ramen are often false. Always check reputable sources like the FDA or CDC for accurate recall information.
Action on Recall: If you have a recalled product, follow the recall notice's instructions, which typically advise returning the item or disposing of it safely.

Food recalls are a critical safety measure used by government agencies and food companies to protect public health. For consumers of instant ramen, being aware of recent recalls is important, especially for those with food allergies or sensitivities. Understanding the reasons behind these recalls, which can range from labeling errors to ingredient issues, is key to staying safe. This article details some of the most notable ramen recalls in recent history and provides guidance on staying informed.

Recent Recalls for Undeclared Allergens and Labeling Errors

Several significant recalls have centered on undeclared allergens, a serious risk for individuals with allergies. These errors can occur during manufacturing or packaging, leading to products containing ingredients not listed on the label.

Sun Noodle S&S Cup Saimin

In May 2024, Sun Noodle initiated a recall for approximately 37,158 cases of its S&S Cup Saimin, distributed across several U.S. states.

Reason: The products contained undeclared egg white powder, a risk for those with egg allergies.
Distribution: The affected products were sold in California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah through distributors and retailers.

Kobayashi Noodle USA Raw Ramen

In August 2025, Kobayashi Noodle USA recalled thousands of cases of its bulk Raw Ramen Noodle product.

Reason: The recall was issued because the labels failed to declare soy as the source of lecithin.
Classification: The U.S. FDA classified this as a Class II recall, signifying a moderate health hazard.

Nissin Big Cup Noodle

Canadian authorities issued a recall for certain Nissin brand cup noodles due to undeclared allergens in March and April of 2025.

Recalled products: Nissin Big Cup Noodle (due to undeclared shrimp) and Nissin Big Cup Noodle Curry Flavor (due to undeclared peanut) were affected.

Daisho Hakata Ramen Noodle Tonkotsu

In July 2024, Japan Food Express Ltd. recalled its Daisho Hakata Ramen Noodle Tonkotsu.

Reason: The product contained undeclared sesame, posing a risk to individuals with a sesame allergy.

International Recall for Excessive Capsaicin

While most recalls relate to allergens or bacteria, one notable incident involved an unusual reason: a product being too spicy for a country's population.

Samyang Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken

In June 2024, the Danish Food Agency recalled three Samyang noodle products, including the Buldak 3x Spicy & Hot Chicken.

Reason: The agency determined that the capsaicin level was too high and could pose a health risk, especially for children.
Outcome: Samyang stated that the quality was not compromised and the recall was a first for this reason.

Comparison of Recent Ramen Recalls

To provide a clearer overview, here is a comparison of some recent ramen recalls, highlighting key details.


Brand	Product	Recall Reason	Date	Regulatory Agency	Affected Locations
Sun Noodle	S&S Cup Saimin	Undeclared Egg	May 2024	FDA (U.S.)	Hawaii, CA, NV, UT
Kobayashi Noodle USA	Bulk Raw Ramen Noodle	Undeclared Soy	August 2025	FDA (U.S.)	California
Nissin	Big Cup Noodle	Undeclared Shrimp	March 2025	CFIA (Canada)	Canada
Nissin	Big Cup Noodle Curry	Undeclared Peanut	March 2025	CFIA (Canada)	Canada
Japan Food Express Ltd.	Daisho Hakata Ramen	Undeclared Sesame	July 2024	FSA (U.K.)	United Kingdom
Samyang	Buldak (3 variants)	Excessive Capsaicin	June 2024	Danish Food Agency	Denmark

How to Stay Informed About Food Recalls

To ensure your safety and the safety of your family, it's vital to know how to monitor and respond to food recall alerts.

Check Official Sources: Regularly visit the websites of regulatory bodies like the FDA in the U.S., Health Canada, and the U.K. Food Standards Agency for the latest information. These sites provide the most accurate and up-to-date alerts.
Sign Up for Alerts: Many food safety agencies offer email or SMS alert services. Subscribing to these notifications can provide real-time updates directly to your inbox or phone.
Verify Social Media Claims: Be cautious of viral social media posts about recalls. As seen with the baseless viral claims about deaths linked to ramen, misinformation can spread quickly. Always verify information with official sources.
Check Product Packaging: When buying groceries, get into the habit of checking labels and product codes against any public recall notices. If you already have products at home, compare their details to the information on official recall announcements.

Conclusion: Navigating Ramen Recalls

While the prospect of a ramen recall can be unsettling, it's important to understand that these measures are in place to protect consumers. The majority of recalled products are removed from shelves before causing harm. The main takeaways are to stay aware of undeclared allergen risks and to verify recall news through official government channels rather than relying on social media rumors. For the most recent updates on market withdrawals and safety alerts, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official page: U.S. FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. Being an informed consumer is the best defense against food safety issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a product that has been recalled, you should not consume it. Follow the specific instructions in the recall notice, which usually advises returning the item to the place of purchase for a refund or disposing of it safely.

Official food safety websites, such as the U.S. FDA, Health Canada, and the U.K. Food Standards Agency, provide the most reliable and up-to-date lists of food recalls, including ramen noodles.

Always cross-reference recall information with official government food safety agencies (e.g., FDA, CDC) before acting on social media posts or unverified claims. Official notices will provide specific product details like UPC codes and lot numbers.

No, many viral stories claiming ramen noodles caused deaths due to bacteria are baseless misinformation. Fact-checking by news outlets and official agencies has debunked these claims.

Yes, undeclared allergens like egg, soy, or sesame can trigger serious or life-threatening allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This is why food recalls are issued for such labeling errors.

Danish authorities recalled specific Samyang Buldak ramen products because they were deemed too spicy. The exceptionally high level of capsaicin was considered a potential health hazard, especially for children.

You can check by looking for the specific brand, product name, size, lot code, and UPC code on your packaging and comparing them against official recall notices posted on government websites.