Recently, a claim has spread on social media (SNS) that warning phrases regarding 'cancer and reproductive function disorders' are printed on Korean ramen packages, causing controversy. However, industry representatives explain that this does not imply actual risk but rather a 'formal measure' in accordance with local laws in the United States.
According to foreign media and the food industry on the 25th, a user of an overseas SNS with around 50,000 followers shared a phrase on the back of Korean ramen stating 'Risk of cancer and reproductive harm', leading to increased attention.
This phrase is indicated according to California Proposition 65. This law mandates that consumers be given prior warning if even trace amounts of specific harmful substances or potentially carcinogenic components are included in products. If violated, not only state governments but also individuals can file public interest lawsuits, and fines may be imposed.
The phrase itself is closer to a labeling intended to avoid litigation risks in the United States rather than implying that specific harmful components are actually included in ramen. In the U.S., the same warning labels are attached to numerous imported goods and locally distributed products, not just food items, but also clothing, electronics, and automobile parts.
A ramen industry official said, 'This phrase applies not only to Korean ramen but also to most products distributed within California. Locally, there are many cases of abuse of this law, and it is recognized as a highly unfavorable law for corporations, prompting businesses to include warning labels to avoid litigation risks.'