THE RISE in popularity of self-heating meal kits thanks to social media has forced the region’s fire service to issue a warning on their usage.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is warning residents against using the meal kits indoors.
The ‘ingenious’ Korean style meal kits which rely upon exothermic chemical reactions to heat pre-cooked food can be dangerous in confined spaces.
The kits – which have become well-known in the UK due to their popularity in TikTok food videos – can expose users to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide which is released during the reaction produced by adding water to the base of the product.
A Spokesperson for HWFRS said: “While these products aren’t dangerous when used outside or when camping due to adequate ventilation, using them inside can expose you to dangerous carbon monoxide gas that’s released during the reaction.
“Please only use the kits as instructed and never indoors.”
