What are the impact of Instant Noodles and related products on contemporary society?

There are basically no limitations or boundaries on food supplies. With good preservation techniques, even the most perishable food can be preserved and ship over to the world. Regional flavor such as Indian curry, Korean kimchi, Thai spices, Japanese wasabi, Basil coffee etc. can be copied into different kinds of food products and supplied to the global market. Through the use of advance technology, most of the flavor, smell, color, form and texture of the original food can be captured and mass-produced. Therefore, we are being surrounded by artificial food products in our everyday life and sometimes, it seems opulent when we ask for fresh and natural food. We are living in a world where it is hard to define what is real or fake. Nowadays, people are so much taken to the conveniences of instant foods that they are prepared to abandon a more healthy lifestyle or naturally prepared foods. This is especially in a fast-paced city such as Hong Kong where “Time is Money” and “work hard, play hard” attitudes prevail.

However, there is now a backlash in Hong Kong and the world in general against instant noodles and foods. Firstly, there have always been health concerns over the use of artificial flavorings and preservatives in instant noodles. There had been numerous but unproven claims on the increased risk of cancer. Second, the nutritional value of instant noodles and other instant foods have been questioned and attacked. In addition, there had been reports that polystyrene containers used for cup noodles might release environmental hormones as well as carcinogens. Moreover the use of disposable cups, bowls, forks and chopsticks clearly goes against the trend of environmental awareness and protection. Consumers worldwide are becoming adverse to new food technologies such as genetically modified foods and irradiated foods. There has long been in movement in the West towards natural and health foods and it has gathered momentum in other parts of the world. There is now also a vocal anti-globalization constituency, as well as a movement towards retro-designed products. Therefore, the future growth prospect of instant noodles is now very much in doubt, especially in developed economies.