CAIRO: A tragic incident in Cairo has raised serious concerns over viral food trends after a 13-year-old boy died shortly after eating three packets of uncooked instant noodles. The teenager reportedly experienced severe abdominal pain, vomiting and excessive sweating just 30 minutes after consuming the dry noodles. Despite immediate medical attention, he could not be saved.
Autopsy confirms digestive obstruction as cause
Authorities initially questioned the shopkeeper who sold the noodles, suspecting contamination or expired stock. However, forensic testing ruled out food poisoning, confirming that the boy died due to acute intestinal obstruction triggered by consuming an excessive amount of raw noodles.
Health experts warn of social media food trends
The incident has sparked nationwide debate in Egypt, with experts pointing to the dangers of viral challenges such as the “Eat Ramen Raw” trend popularised on TikTok. These videos often encourage teenagers to eat instant noodles without cooking, overlooking potential health risks like dehydration, indigestion and intestinal blockage.
Nutritional concerns surrounding instant noodles
Even when cooked, instant noodles are far from a healthy meal option. A single pack can contain up to 1,330 mg of sodium—over half of the World Health Organization’s daily recommended limit of 2,000 mg. High sodium intake is linked to hypertension, kidney strain and heart problems.
Studies have also associated frequent instant noodle consumption with increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic issues. Experts, including Professor Lauren Ball of the University of Queensland and Dr Emily Burch of Southern Cross University, highlight that their low fibre content further exacerbates digestive problems.
Parents urged to monitor children’s diet
This case serves as a cautionary tale for parents and teenagers alike. Medical professionals are urging families to discourage participation in harmful food trends and to focus on balanced meals rich in fibre, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.