🍢 Fried Toothpicks Trend Sparks Concerns

A concerning trend has emerged on social media, where individuals are frying toothpicks and consuming them as snacks.

Toothpicks, typically made from starch, are being transformed into a potentially hazardous treat, raising alarms among experts.

🌐 Rapid Spread Influenced by Celebrities

The trend appears to have gained momentum, possibly influenced by influencers showcasing or tasting toothpick fries in youtube and Tiktok.

Videos circulating online depict people frying toothpicks and adding various sauces or seasonings for flavor.

🚫 Experts Issue Strong Warnings

Experts, however, are issuing strong warnings against this emerging trend.

Professor Ha Sang-do, specializing in Food Engineering at Chung-Ang University, emphasizes that toothpicks, while approved as sanitary products, are not meant for human consumption.

Safety standards are designed for their intended use as non-edible items.

👨‍🔬 Risks and Lack of Clarity

Highlighting potential dangers, experts note that harmful substance values are not clearly indicated, making it impossible to predict the health risks associated with consuming fried toothpicks.

In the absence of clear standards for edibility, the risk of adverse effects increases.

🚨 No Accountability for Manufacturers

Furthermore, even if health issues arise from consuming these snacks, holding manufacturers accountable is challenging due to the ambiguous nature of using toothpicks as a food item.

Experts strongly advise against partaking in the trend, emphasizing the potential dangers and lack of regulatory oversight.

👩‍⚕️ Expert Insight

[Ha Sang-do / Professor of Food Engineering, Chung-Ang University] “Toothpicks are approved as sanitary products, but not for human consumption. Even if it meets the safety standards accepted as sanitary products, the standards are set for toothpicks and for use that cannot be thrown away and eaten.”

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