(Yicai Global) April 12 -- Samyang Food adds anti-oxidants to its exported foodstuffs, China Central Television’s Business Channel reported yesterday, citing the South Korean instant noodle maker which was responding to online queries as to why its popular fiery chicken ramen in China has an expiry date of 12 months, twice as long as in South Korea.

The shelf life of all exported instant noodles, not just those to China, is one year, Seoul-based Samyang said. The firm exports ramen to over one hundred countries, and due to the long transportation and customs clearance times, not to mention in order to comply with international food safety regulations, anti-oxidants are added to extend the foodstuffs’ shelf life.

The instant noodles sold in South Korea, though, have no preservatives added as the turnover is faster, it added.

China is one of its main markets and accounts for 40 percent of Samyang’s Spicy Chicken-Flavored Ramen’s overseas sales.

Editor: Kim Taylor