Real or Fake News #5

(1) Read the story. (2) Tell the story in your own words. (3) Ask the questions.
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued a warning urging people to stop eating deep fried toothpicks. Videos of people preparing and eating the toothpicks have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram in recent months, and appear to be especially popular in South Korea.

In the videos users are seen putting the toothpicks in hot oil until they puff up, and then adding seasonings like cheese or spicy powder before consuming them.

“This is not a product to eat!” South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety wrote in a post on X. “Their safety as food has not been verified!”
Vocabulary
puff up = to become bigger and rounder
Comprehension Questions
  1. Where is this trend most popular?
  2. How are the toothpicks prepared?
  3. What did the MFDS post on X?
Discussion Questions
  1. Do you often use toothpicks?
  2. What are the pros and cons of eating toothpicks?
  3. Why do you think Mukbang (eating broadcast) videos are so popular?
  4. What did you eat today?
  5. Do you agree with the MFDS’s warning?
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