The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has issued a warning to Korean citizens, cautioning against the consumption of fried toothpicks. 

The advisory comes in response to the viral trend of "mukbang" videos featuring individuals indulging in fried toothpicks, particularly those made from cornstarch or potato starch mixed with sorbitol, alum, and artificial coloring.

In a press release on Tuesday, the Food Ministry clarified that toothpicks fall under the category of sanitary products, not food. As such, their safety for consumption has not been confirmed. This announcement follows the rising popularity of "starch toothpick" mukbang videos on platforms like YouTube, especially among children and teenagers.

Numerous search results for "fried starch toothpick" have surfaced on YouTube, with some videos amassing millions of views. In one such video, a YouTuber fries toothpicks, pours sauce over them, and consumes them on camera, asserting their tastiness.

Concerns from parents have emerged on online forums, with reports of children expressing a desire for toothpick fries after watching these videos. The worry stems from the potential for children to imitate what they see, raising safety and health considerations.

Starch toothpicks, composed of cornstarch or potato starch mixed with sorbitol, alum, and artificial coloring, may not pose harm in small amounts. However, overconsumption can lead to adverse effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation. The Food Ministry underscored that these toothpicks are categorized as sanitary products, emphasizing their designation for use in direct or indirect contact with the body.

While the ministry ensures safety standards for the components, manufacturing processes, and usage of sanitary products, it explicitly advises against consuming starch toothpicks due to the lack of confirmation regarding their safety for consumption. This cautionary stance aims to protect citizens from potential health risks associated with the trend of consuming these unconventional food items.