The Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) under the Ministry of Health on November 6 has issued a voluntary recall order on two South Korean instant noodles products due them containing a potentially cancer-causing chemical.

The Neoguri Hot and Neoguri Mild 

The two instant noodle brands are sold under the Neoguri Hot and Neoguri Mild label.

The VFA acted on the recall after receiving a diplomatic note from South Korean Embassy about the recall order on Nongshim Company's instant noodle products. The products contain a potentially cancer-causing chemical known as benzo(a)pyrene which is often used to generate aroma.

The EU standard level for benzo(a)pyrene content in smoked meat and fish products stands at 5 microgramme per kilogramme (ppb). However S. Korea still hasn't set their maximum levels for benzo(a)pyrene in instant noodles, but is committed to a 10 ppb standard for smoked meat and fish products

The decision left consumers confused because the S. Korean authorities previously said that the traces of benzo(a)pyrene found were lower than allowed.

The S. Korean authorities said they applied a recall order because Nongshim had used improper raw materials and violated regulations on hygiene and safety of food.

The recall order is voluntary and the products will be recalled by their expiry dates.

According to Korea Food Drug Administration the products will be recalled on November 11 for Neoguri Hot and November 17 for Neoguri Mild.

The VFA has issued recall order on the two products.