South Korea Warns Against Viral Trend of Eating Fried Biodegradable Toothpicks

Despite their biodegradable nature, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety emphasizes that these toothpicks are not verified as safe for consumption.

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has issued a warning against a viral social media trend of frying and eating biodegradable toothpicks made from sweet potato or corn starch.
The trend, popularized on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, involves frying the toothpicks until they resemble curly fries, then seasoning them with ingredients like powdered cheese.
Despite the toothpicks being biodegradable and environmentally friendly, the ministry has stressed that they are not food products and their safety as such has not been verified.
The toothpicks are often used in South Korean restaurants to pick up finger foods and are colored green with food coloring.
Excessive consumption of the toothpicks could lead to health issues due to an ingredient called sorbitol, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation if overconsumed.