A 13-year-old boy in Egypt has died after attempting a dangerous social media stunt that involved eating three packets of raw instant noodles, according to reports.
Authorities said the incident happened on August 25 in El Marg, Cairo, when the teenager joined the viral “Eat Ramen Raw” challenge. Within half an hour of consuming the dry noodles, he experienced severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and cold sweats before passing away.
Investigators ruled out product contamination after testing the noodles and reviewing their point of sale. An autopsy pointed to an acute bowel emergency, likely triggered by the sudden intake of a large amount of uncooked noodles.
Health experts warned that uncooked instant noodles can expand in the digestive tract, causing dangerous blockages and severe complications. Dr. Ruchi Gupta, quoted in My Pune Pulse, stressed: “Instant noodles are processed to be consumed after cooking. Eating them raw in large quantities can put serious strain on the digestive system.”
Nutritionists also note that seasoning powders and oils may worsen the problem by irritating the stomach and intestines. High sodium levels, preservatives, and low nutritional value in instant noodles further increase health risks if consumed frequently.
The challenge, which has gained traction online, encourages participants to eat crunchy noodles mixed with seasoning for entertainment. Experts, however, are urging parents and young people to stay away from such harmful trends, comparing them to other deadly online dares like the Tide Pod and Blackout challenges.
To minimize health risks, doctors recommend never eating instant noodles raw, cooking them thoroughly, avoiding the high-sodium seasoning packets, and balancing meals with vegetables and protein. They also stressed that instant noodles should only be eaten occasionally, not as a daily staple.
