Overview

• 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.