Urgent Recall: Beloved Buldak Noodles Pulled from Shelves Over Crushing Safety Risk

Consumer safety authorities have issued a nationwide recall of beloved Buldak brand pulled-profit noodles after confirmed risks of narrow tubular impaction in popular shelf-stable varieties. The urgent action follows multiple consumer reports and internal testing that identified a dangerous design flaw: noodle strings measuring well within edible-size but posing choking hazards, particularly when internal folds or uneven slicing create pockets. Health regulators emphasize that while the product remains widely available across major retailers, tens of thousands of households may unknowingly have purchased affected batches—some featuring flavors synonymous with Buldak’s signature cramps and comfort.

Noodles once a staple in Asian-American kitchens pulled due to life-threatening safety risk. The bulldog-shaped noodles, popular for their pull-apart texture and broad flavor profiles—from spicy #1 to savory soy-garlic—have been sold in dollar sections, online marketplaces, and regional grocery chains nationwide. Regulatory testing confirmed that certain production batches contain unnaturally thin strands averaging 2.5 to 4 millimeters in diameter, fitting easily through children’s fingers and small airways alike. A single strand, when twisted or chewed into multiple fragments, can lodge in the throat, triggering emergency medical situations requiring immediate intervention.

Identified Safety Hazard Details: - **Critical Abofall Risk:** Noodles feature interconnecting, string-like noodle segments ranging from 2.3mm to 3.8mm in width. - **Consumer Exposure:** Widespread product distribution via retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Amazon. - **Affected Lot Numbers:** Recalled batches span March through July 2024; product packaging displays “Manufacturing Date” codes from 03/15 to 07/20.

- **High-Risk Demographics:** Toddlers, young children, and pets most vulnerable due to small airway anatomy and tendency to swallow pieces whole. The recall was initiated following a joint investigation by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sparked by a parent’s urgent report of their 4-year-old accidentally choking on a piece that fell apart during a meal.

“We take these matters extremely seriously,” stated FDA spokesperson Dr. Elena Ramirez. “Our on-site sampling confirmed consistent sizing risks, and we’re urging consumers to immediately cease consumption and return the product without delay.” Retailers including Walmart and Target have cleared affected stock from shelves, implementing swift restock restrictions and setting up dedicated return counters with self-service kiosks for expedited refunds or replacements.

“We apologize for placing families at risk and are working around the clock to expedite the recall,” said Walmart’s senior compliance officer, Marcus Reed. “Our distribution teams have suspended the selling of these specific batches effective immediately.” Industry experts highlight the alarming incident as a wakeup call in food safety protocols. “Noodle manufacturers often prioritize texture and shelf stability, but this case exposes a critical failure in risk assessment,” said food safety analyst Dr.

Rajiv Mehta. “Manufacturers must strengthen quality control around small filament formation, especially in products marketed for easy consumption by children and families.” Consumers are urged to inspect their pantries for Buldak Pulled Noodles, particularly looking for batch numbers that match those listed in the recall notice. Anyone who believes they’ve consumed a recalled batch should seek medical attention if choking symptoms appear—even if no immediate symptom is present, internal friction from fragmented noodles can escalate risks.

Pediatricians recommend storing only whole, intact noodles and supervising children during meals to minimize accidental ingestion of broken pieces. The FDA and CPSC continue active surveillance, urging retailers and manufacturers to report suspicious illnesses or product failures through the Safety Reporting Portal. For real-time updates, the recall official database is accessible at recall.gov/buldak-noodles.

With this urgent pull, public health officials aim to prevent further harm while reinforcing the importance of vigilance in everyday food consumption. In a final reminder, consumer safety remains collective responsibility—prompt action not only protects individual households but strengthens trust in the food supply chain. As Buldak noodles reclaim shelf space only when proven safe, the incident stands as a powerful reminder: quality, safety, and care must never be compromised.