Close-up of packing peanuts.

In the latest TikTok culinary craze, users have taken to snacking on packing peanuts. Yes. Packing peanuts.

One user said: “I promise I wouldn’t be eating them if they weren’t good.

“They’re made of rice starch. I eat them with Old Bay and Everything Bagel seasoning. They’re not going to hurt you.”

We’re not convinced, and neither is Dr Masarat Jilani, a GP at Jude, who says: “As silly stunts for social media go, this might not be quite as dangerous as eating Tide Pods, but it is still extremely unsafe to consume packing materials.

“Although some types from sustainable businesses may be made from biodegradable starch or even popcorn, many still contain synthetic materials that are not safe for consumption.”

The health risks of eating packing peanuts

Choking hazard

Packing peanuts, Dr. Jilani urges, regardless of what they are made from,........

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