Why are South Koreans eating Toothpicks?

In a piece of strange news from a fellow South Asian country, it has come to notice that South Koreans have recently been obsessing over fried toothpicks.

Fried Toothpicks and Warning

South Korea's food ministry has issued a stern health warning, cautioning the public against the consumption of a peculiar culinary trend that has taken social media by storm. The viral sensation involves the indulgence in fried toothpicks made from starch, cleverly crafted to resemble the curly fries. Videos showcasing individuals relishing these deep-fried starch toothpicks, often adorned with powdered cheese seasoning, have gained significant traction on popular platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. [caption id="" data-align="alignnone" data-width="1500"] Fried Toothpicks[/caption] In a statement released on Wednesday via the nation's social media hub X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety expressed grave concerns about the safety of these unconventional snacks. "Their safety as food has not been verified," the official announcement declared, urging citizens to refrain from consuming the toothpick delicacies. The videos, depicting the frying process and subsequent consumption of these toothpicks, have created a buzz on social media platforms, raising eyebrows over the uncharted territory of their edibility.

Real purpose of toothpicks

The toothpicks in question, typically made from sweet potato or corn starch, undergo a deep-frying process with food coloring to impart a distinctive green hue. Advocates of this trend champion toothpicks as an environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternative. In addition to their viral status, these toothpicks are commonly employed in South Korean restaurants and serve a dual purpose, also acting as utensils for picking up finger foods. [caption id="" data-align="aligncenter" data-width="433"] Toothpicks getting fried[/caption] South Korea's vibrant online culinary community, known for its popular "Mukbang" shows, where individuals showcase their ability to consume copious amounts of food or explore unique dishes, has embraced this peculiar trend. TikTok, a primary platform for such content, features users enthusiastically crunching on the crispy toothpicks while offering their unique commentary on the experience. "It's very crispy," exclaimed one TikTok user, encapsulating the sentiment of those venturing into this uncharted gastronomic territory. As the debate surrounding the safety and desirability of consuming fried starch toothpicks intensifies, it remains to be seen whether this quirky trend will continue to capture the attention of food enthusiasts or if concerns raised by health authorities will prompt a shift in social media culinary preferences.

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