South Korea's Food Ministry Urges Public to Avoid Trend of Eating Fried Toothpicks

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued a warning urging people to stop eating fried toothpicks after viral social media posts showed individuals frying and consuming them with various seasonings. The toothpicks, made from sweet potato or corn starch, are intended as an eco-friendly alternative but are not intended for consumption. Health officials emphasized that their safety as food has not been verified and pleaded with the public to refrain from eating them.