Iodine Levels in Seaweed: Health Risks and Regulations

Korean dried seaweed faces import bans in Europe due to dangerously high iodine levels exceeding safety standards.

### Concerns About Iodine Levels in Seaweed: A Call for Standards in South Korea
* 🌊 Hello, I am Professor Kang Su-hak from Sangmyung University, here to discuss the overlooked issue of **iodine levels in seaweeds** like kelp and miyeok, rather than focusing on **heavy metals** as I have in the past.
* 🥗 Miyeok is a beloved staple in South Korea, but concerns about **heavy metals** have led to cautious consumption, emphasizing the need for **moderation**.
* 🇪🇺 In Europe, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) enables member countries to **share safety information quickly**, which is **crucial for addressing food safety issues**.
* 🚫 Recently, Slovenia imposed an import ban on Korean seaweed products due to **excessive iodine levels detected at 248 ppm**, well above the **20 ppm standard**.
* 🇩🇪 Similarly, Germany's ban on Korean dried seaweed stemmed from **alarming iodine levels of 530 ppm** in some samples, raising **serious safety concerns**.
* ⚠ While iodine is essential for thyroid health, **excessive intake can lead to serious conditions**; thus, Germany has established **strict standards to prevent such risks**.
* 🇰🇷 Unfortunately, South Korea currently lacks any established standards for iodine levels in seaweed, highlighting the **need for regulatory measures to ensure public safety**.
* To mitigate risks, I recommend **moderating seaweed intake**, focusing on **solid parts** while avoiding the broth to **reduce exposure to heavy metals and iodine**.

Hello, subscribers. I am Professor Kang Su-hak from the Department of Chemical Energy Engineering at Sangmyung University. It's nice to meet you. Today, the specific topic is about seaweeds like kelp and miyeok. I have previously discussed issues related to heavy metals in these seaweeds several times, but today we are not focusing on heavy metal issues. Instead, there is a larger issue that many people might not be aware of. So, I would like to share some information and insights regarding this matter. 

First of all, I believe that there are no South Koreans who dislike miyeok or similar seaweeds. They are a staple food that everyone enjoys, and I personally like them as well. However, due to concerns about issues like heavy metals, even though I enjoy them, there is a tendency to be cautious.

it's about not eating excessively, so it's a matter of moderation when it comes to food. However, let's take a look at what other systems are in place regarding this food. First, you need to understand a specific system that exists in Europe called RASFF. In Korean, this is referred to as the Rapid Alert System. It is a system that is activated for food products and animal feed. This system is in place because Europe has many member countries, and it aims to share various safety issues and information transparently and swiftly among these member states. Therefore, if one of the member countries discovers a risk, information is quickly exchanged through this system.

It is a sharing system that takes immediate action. You can check it out on the homepage. When you enter, you will see various information displayed. The countries on the left side are those that had issues, such as problems related to exports. The countries on the right side are those that took action upon discovering these issues. The information is updated in real-time by date, allowing member countries to verify any problems that occurred in any country at any time. Now, let's take a closer look at what has happened recently. In April 2024, in Slovenia, a country in Europe...

조치를 취하냐면, 자료를 한번 가져와 봤는데요. 보면 시위드가 있고 하잖아요. 그런데 주로 이제 김이라고 생각하시면 됩니다. 한국 제품에 대해서 어떤 수입 금지 조치를 취하게 됩니다. 우리나라가 팔았는데, 그것이 이제 수입 금지되는 그런 조치를 취하게 되는 거예요. 그 이유가 뭐냐면, 중금속 문제가 아닙니다. 중금속 문제가 아니었고, 요드입니다. 영어로 아이오딘이라고 하는데요. 요드 함량이 너무 높게 나왔다라는 거예요. 그래서 보통 일반적으로 20ppm보다 높으면 높다고 합니다. 유럽에서는 기준치 이상이라고 보는 거예요. 그래서 그거보다 높게 나왔기 때문에 수입 금지 조치를 취했고, 그것을 바로 이 시스템을 통해서 유럽 회원국 모두에게 공고하게 되는 겁니다. 그럼 203년 12월에는 어떤 이선이 살펴보면요, 오스트리아에서 도대체 우리나라 제품에 대해서 어떤…

The measures are being taken regarding Korean dried seaweed products, such as dried kelp and sea mustard. These products are subject to import bans due to high levels of iodine detected. Specifically, the iodine concentration was found to be around 248 ppm, which is significantly above the standard limit of 20 ppm—over ten times higher, which raised concerns.

Now, let's take a look at another country, Germany. In December of last year, Germany also implemented an import ban on Korean dried seaweed products, including sea mustard and kelp. The reason for this ban was shocking, as some samples showed iodine levels of 530 ppm, which is more than 25 times the standard limit of 20 ppm, leading to serious concerns about safety.

When it comes to taking prohibitive measures regarding other products, the detection level was 4829 ppm. The standard reference value is said to be 20, which means it is over 200 times that amount. This is an enormous figure, and as a result, a ban on profits was implemented. The fact that such shocking information has hardly been known domestically is even more surprising. So, we need to look into what iodine is that makes Europe react so sensitively. 

In fact, iodine itself is not bad; it is an essential element that our bodies need. It plays a very important role in the production of thyroid hormones, which are crucial. However, nothing is good in excess. There is nothing in this world that is good in large amounts. For instance, drinking six liters of water at once can be fatal. Also, while oxygen in the air is known to be very beneficial, it also has its limits.

What do you think would happen if the oxygen in the air reached 100%? Nitrogen needs to be present as well, and even with just 100% oxygen, a person would die. It would put an immense strain on the body, leading to death. It's not just a possibility; it would definitely happen. This illustrates that nothing is good in excess. Similarly, if we consume too much iodine, it can cause the thyroid function to become either overly active or underactive. It is known that this can lead to conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. In other words, while iodine is necessary, it can be harmful if taken in excess. Based on numerous medical evidences, Germany has set standards for iodine intake, which can lead to thyroid dysfunction.

As a result, the urethane content must not exceed 20 ppm. If it exceeds 20 ppm, that specific product is absolutely prohibited from distribution. Regulations have been established, and currently, they are being managed accordingly. However, products from Korea, particularly seaweed products, have shown excessively high levels, leading to the ban on their distribution. This can be considered shocking. We were not aware of these facts, right? So, what is our country doing? What measures are being taken? The responsible department is the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and there are no established standards. Many of you might be surprised to hear this. While Europe has set standards for monitoring, we have none at all. It's truly shocking.

Because we are vulnerable, we need to establish such standards. The genes of the people of South Korea have the remarkable ability to withstand excessive iodine levels, so I wonder if there's really no need for such measures. There isn't any definitive evidence that South Koreans are born with some innate superior genes regarding iodine. In fact, there is none. However, there is something to consider: in Europe, seaweed isn't commonly consumed, whereas in South Korea, the intake of seaweed is relatively high. This leads to the argument that since we generally consume a significant amount, our bodies are accustomed to it, which is why some claim it's okay. However, there are even findings that indicate otherwise.

During pregnancy and the breastfeeding period, there are studies suggesting that general intake of certain foods is acceptable. However, this is not limited to younger generations; foods like seaweed and kelp have been consumed by Koreans across all generations. There is no research indicating that excessive exposure to these foods leads to thyroid dysfunction. Such findings do not exist. Moreover, there is a current trend of complex toxicity, where we are excessively exposed to various chemicals alongside these foods, such as heavy metals and pesticides. The effects of this combined exposure on our bodies have not been adequately studied. In conclusion,

Just because you are a citizen of South Korea, there is no research that suggests it is okay to be exposed to high levels of iodine. There is no such conclusion. Therefore, I believe that our country should establish some standard, just like Europe, or Germany, which has a standard of 20 parts per million, or at least some baseline level. It must be established. Of course, Europe did not set the 20 parts per million standard without any basis; they did so based on various scientific grounds, and this is something you must remember.

So, what should we do? We can't completely stop consuming foods like kelp or seaweed, right? They also contain many beneficial components for the body. Therefore, I would like to offer a tip: it is generally good to moderate your basic intake. Even if you do consume them, how should you do it? Well, typically, if we talk about seaweed, we often have seaweed soup.

You eat it, right? Then, you don't consume the broth. As much as possible, focus on the solid parts and leave the broth behind. During the boiling process, various components are released, including heavy metals and iodine. Not everything is extracted, but a significant amount is, so it is effective. Typically, when you eat something like that, you tend to drink all the broth, but please refrain from doing so. Given that the oceans are becoming increasingly polluted, the levels of heavy metals are rising as well. Therefore, to reduce the intake of heavy metals, it’s better to avoid the broth and focus on the solid ingredients. Please remember this. Additionally, for those who may have slightly poor thyroid function, it’s also important to be cautious.

I hope you pay a little more attention to the amount of intake itself. Now, to conclude, currently, aside from heavy metals in kelp, iodine content has also become an issue, leading to bans on sales in Europe. It is true that South Korea currently has no standards in place. I believe that at some point, this issue will become more prominent in our country, and standards will be established. Until then, it is essential for our subscribers to be aware of these facts and to exercise caution. I hope today's video has been helpful, and I would also like to express my deep gratitude to those who have personally supported the channel. I will return with the next topic. That’s all for now.

한국산 김.미역! 유럽에서 수입금지 조치. 이유가 있습니다!

교수가 직접 들려주는 생활 속 화학이야기
- 그동안 방송에서 충분히 설명해주지 못했던 내용들을 다룹니다
- 모든 이들이 생활 속 과학상식이 풍부해지고, 안전한 삶을 살 수 있기를 바라는 마음에서 제작하였습니다

강상욱 교수 소개
- 상명대학교 화학에너지공학과 교수
- 2022년 화학공학회 심강논문상 수상
- 2021년 LG젊은공업화학인상 수상
- 2020년 부총리겸 교육부장관상 수상
- 2010년 대한민국 최연소 남자대학 교수
- 저서: 케미컬 라이프(2017년), 케미스토리(2021년)

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[화학채널]강상욱 교수의 위험한 초대

The Importance of Seaweeds and the RASFF System

Seaweeds like kelp and miyeok are popular staple foods in South Korea, but concerns about heavy metals have led to cautious consumption.

The RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) in Europe plays a crucial role in sharing safety information and taking immediate action among member countries.

The system's real-time updates allow countries to verify and address any food safety issues that arise.

Import Bans on Korean Dried Seaweed Products

Korean dried seaweed products are facing import bans in Europe due to excessively high iodine levels, with some samples showing concentrations over 25 times the standard limit.

Germany also implemented a ban after detecting iodine levels as high as 530 ppm.

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, but excessive amounts can be harmful, highlighting the need for regulation.

The Dangers of Excessive Oxygen and Iodine

100% oxygen in the air would be fatal, highlighting the harm of excess.

Similarly, too much iodine can disrupt thyroid function, leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Germany has set strict standards for iodine intake, banning products with urethane content exceeding 20 ppm, while South Korea lacks established regulations despite high seaweed consumption.

The Impact of Seaweed and Kelp Consumption During Pregnancy

Seaweed and kelp have been consumed by Koreans across generations, with no research linking excessive intake to thyroid dysfunction.

The current trend of complex toxicity from combined exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides has not been adequately studied.

There is a need for South Korea to establish a standard for iodine exposure, similar to Europe's 20 parts per million guideline, while also promoting moderate intake of these foods for their beneficial components.

Caution About Consuming Broth from Boiled Ingredients

It's important to focus on solid parts and avoid drinking the broth, as it can release heavy metals and iodine.

The rising pollution in oceans is increasing heavy metal levels, making it crucial to reduce intake by avoiding the broth.

The iodine content in kelp has also become a concern, leading to sales bans in Europe, and there are currently no standards in South Korea.