MANILA – The government has lifted a ban on six brands of South Korean noodles after tests disproved earlier reports they had unsafe amounts of a cancer-causing chemical, health authorities said.
The Food and Drug Administration said health department tests found that the noodles made by Nongshim Co. had safe amounts of the "benzopyrene" chemical, contrary to what had previously been alleged in some press reports.
"The test results have been reassuring as all benzopyrenes have been found below the limits... set for the recall advisory," the FDA said.
The Philippines had ordered the recall on October 31, drawing a formal complaint from the South Korean embassy that insisted the noodles are safe to eat.
The embassy urged the Philippines to lift the noodle ban.
Benzopyrene is used in food dyes, and can upset stomachs according to scientists.
"Korean officials have offered assurance that the subsequent products of the affected brands are safe," the FDA added.*AFP
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