A study published by researchers at the University of Chicago found that instant noodles account for almost a third of childhood burn injuries caused by hot liquids. The study examined data from pediatric patients admitted with scald injuries caused by hot liquids between 2010 and 2020. Of the 790 total cases of childhood scald injuries, 31% were caused by instant noodles. Children from ZIP codes with a lower average childhood opportunity index score and who were Black were more likely to experience burns from instant noodles than others. Children with burns from instant noodles were also slightly older than children with other burn injuries, with an average age of 5.4 years. The researchers linked the trend to the fact instant noodles are a low-cost meal option.