Ramen Recall Rumors Squashed: No Deadly Bacteria Found, Contrary to Viral TikTok Claims!

Recent viral claims circulating on TikTok allege that certain ramen noodle products have been recalled due to deadly bacteria. However, federal health agencies, including the CDC and FDA, have not confirmed any such recall.

One video, which has garnered over 170,000 shares, features a TikTok user asserting that the situation is serious and warns viewers about the dangers of consuming ramen. Another now-deleted video claimed that five children died from a bacterial infection linked to instant noodles. This clip also included alarming statements about adult mortality rates following infection.

In response to these alarming claims, VERIFY reader Dewauyn reached out for clarification regarding the supposed ramen recall.

THE QUESTION

Have packages of ramen been recalled due to deadly bacteria?

THE ANSWER

No, packages of ramen have not been recalled due to deadly bacteria.

WHAT WE FOUND

Investigations revealed no active recalls related to ramen products amid rumors of a deadly outbreak. According to both the CDC and FDA, their websites displayed no reports of contaminated ramen as of September 19.

The CDC has not issued any warnings specifically concerning packaged ramen. Their site does not indicate any ongoing investigations into multistate foodborne outbreaks connected with these noodles. Similarly, the FDA’s recent recalls list does not mention any related to ramen, focusing instead on undeclared allergens in some snack foods.

A past incident involving Sun Noodle in May 2024 led to a voluntary recall of a frozen noodle product due to undeclared egg white powder but was unrelated to bacteria.

Historical reports noted that five children died after consuming instant noodles in South Africa back in 2021, due to instances of pesticide ingestion, not bacterial infections. This context further undermines the credibility of the current viral claims.

Moreover, the viral video lacks specificity, a hallmark of legitimate recall notices. Such notices generally provide detailed information, including the product’s sale dates and expiration status, which were absent in this case. Inaccurate information was also noted in the video’s visuals, which referenced general information about listeria risk rather than concrete warnings about ramen.

Lastly, the TikTok account that posted these claims states in its bio that it is “for entertainment ONLY,” casting further doubt on the accuracy of its content.