Key Update 

A 13-year-old boy in Cairo, Egypt, died after eating three packets of uncooked instant noodles, triggering nationwide alarm over the risks of processed foods and viral food trends. He fell sick within 30 minutes, showing symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and sweating. Medical staff tried to save him, but he died shortly after.

Authorities Rule Out Contamination

Authorities questioned the shopkeeper who sold the noodles, but found no signs of contamination. Lab tests and an autopsy confirmed the noodles were safe. Medical examiners attributed the boy’s death to acute intestinal obstruction, likely caused by the volume of raw noodles he ate.

Experts Warn Against Processed Foods and Trends

Health experts and the public are calling for tighter food safety regulations. They’ve long raised concerns about ultra-processed snacks like instant noodles, crisps, and sugary products, which are linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Doctors also condemned the “Eat Ramen Raw” TikTok challenge, which encourages eating dry noodles straight from the packet. They warn that this can cause intestinal blockages, dehydration, and, in rare cases, death.

Nutritionists Stress the Need for Balance

Nutritionists highlight that instant noodles lack essential fibre and nutrients. Made from refined wheat and packed with up to 1,330 mg of sodium per serving, they can put long-term strain on the heart and kidneys.

Health Officials Urge Moderation

This case has renewed calls for moderation in processed food consumption. Health professionals urge families and young people to avoid dangerous food trends and focus on a balanced, fibre-rich diet for long-term health.

Source: The Times of India