South Korea warns against TikTok trend of eating fried toothpicks

South Korea’s food ministry has issued a warning against a bizarre TikTok trend which sees users eat fried toothpicks.

TikTok is renowned for starting new trends and challenges that take over the social media app completely and get thousands of people to join in.

But not all of them are safe, whether it involves police warning against knocking on the doors of random houses or users taking a deadly amount of medicine.

One of the latest viral trends, originating from South Korea, involves users eating toothpicks. The fad sees people deep-fry toothpicks, which are typically made from sweet potato or corn starch in Korea, until they resemble jade-colored, slender curly fries.

Videos of people taking part in the food craze have amassed thousands of likes and views on TikTok. However, it has recently sparked a warning from experts.

South Korea’s food ministry warn against fried toothpick trend

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety took to Twitter/X to urge people to not take part in the viral trend. “Starch toothpicks are a hygiene product!” the ministry said.

“The safety of sanitary products is managed according to standards and specifications for ingredients, manufacturing methods, and uses, but their safety as food has not been verified. Do not consume.”

Toothpicks can be found on tables in Korean restaurants, where they are often used for picking up finger foods. They are usually green due to the food coloring that is applied in the manufacturing process.

According to local media, an ingredient called sorbitol is used, and excessive consumption of this can potentially lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation. Reports are also emerging that young children have been requesting toothpick fries thanks to this popular trend.

This is just the latest TikTok craze to gain attention from health experts, after doctors warned against the misuse of melatonin gummy supplements.