Hot Korean Flavor Ramen

Flagged additives

• Sodium benzoate — Preservative; can form trace benzene (a carcinogen) when combined with ascorbic acid; implicated in child hyperactivity studies.
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) — Flavour enhancer; self-reported intolerance ('MSG symptom complex'); EFSA flagged exposure above the group ADI.
• Polyphosphates — Inorganic phosphate additives are highly bioavailable; high additive-phosphate intake is associated with increased cardiovascular and kidney burden, particularly in chronic kidney disease.
• Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) — Synthetic emulsifier linked in animal and in-vitro studies to gut-microbiome disruption and intestinal inflammation; human evidence is emerging.
• Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides — Ribonucleotide flavour enhancer typically used together with monosodium glutamate (E621); may contribute to symptoms reported by glutamate-sensitive individuals.