South Korean Convenience Stores Recall Melon Cream Buns Following Durian Flavour Mix-Up
A popular melon-flavoured cream bun sold widely across South Korean convenience stores has been subject to a full-scale recall after numerous customers reported encountering a foul and unpleasant odour upon opening the product. The issue, which sparked significant social media complaints, has been traced back to a production error where durian essence was mistakenly used in place of the intended melon flavouring.
Social Media Erupts with Complaints About 'Sewer-Like' Smell
The controversy first emerged when consumers began posting detailed complaints on various social media platforms, describing the product's smell in alarming terms. According to reports from Channel A, customers likened the aroma to "sewer or human faeces," with one user explicitly stating, "It smells like weird poop." Another customer recounted a particularly vivid incident involving their pet, noting that their cat, which typically enjoys bread, "buried it in the floor with its paws" and treated the bun as if it were a toilet.
Further testimonials highlighted the persistence of the odour, with one individual writing, "It smelled a bit like poop? Or a chemical smell? Even after sealing the bread, the smell lingered in the room, which was shocking." These widespread complaints prompted immediate concern among both consumers and retailers, leading to a swift investigation into the source of the problem.
Investigation Uncovers Mislabelling Error at Production Facility
While initial suspicions pointed towards potential spoilage, the root cause was identified as a significant labelling error within the supply chain. Foodcore, the manufacturer responsible for producing the cream buns, conducted a thorough traceability exercise which revealed that the issue originated with their flavour supplier. The supplier had incorrectly labelled containers of durian essence as melon flavouring, leading to the wrong ingredient being incorporated into the production process.
In an official apology statement, Foodcore explained the oversight: "The melon-flavoured ingredient supplied to our company was, due to a mislabelling error by the flavour manufacturer, actually provided as durian flavouring rather than the melon flavour stated on the label. As durian flavouring is based on a melon-like profile with an added characteristic fermented odour, we failed to adequately identify the raw material during the verification process and used it. We feel a deep sense of responsibility toward customers who trusted and purchased our product."
Durian: The Notorious 'King of Fruits'
Durian, often referred to as the "king of fruits" in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its intensely pungent smell, which many find offensive, contrasting sharply with its sweet, custard-like taste. The fruit is cultivated extensively in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its powerful aroma has led to widespread restrictions, including bans on Singapore's subway system where carrying it can incur fines, as well as prohibitions in numerous hotels and on several airlines across the region.
Recall and Remedial Actions Implemented
By the time the error was identified, approximately 20,000 units of the affected melon cream buns had already been distributed to convenience stores nationwide. Foodcore acted promptly to initiate a full recall, removing all products from shelves. A company representative confirmed to Hankyoreh: "We completed measures to stop sales and recall the 20,000 distributed products last week, and processed refunds and exchanges for customers." They also assured that correctly flavoured melon cream buns have since been reintroduced to the market, restoring the popular snack option for consumers.
This incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous quality control and accurate labelling within food manufacturing and supply chains, particularly for products distributed on a large scale through convenience retail networks.
