Tragic Twist in Spicy Chip Challenge: US Teen's Viral Stunt Ends in Death

A tragic incident involving a viral social media challenge has resulted in the death of a US teenager, raising serious concerns about the safety of such internet trends, according to a report by AP.

14-Year-Old Dies After Participating in the 'One Chip Challenge'

Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old from Massachusetts, succumbed to cardiac arrest after participating in the "One Chip Challenge," a dare that involves eating a single extremely hot tortilla chip.

The challenge involves consuming a chip produced by Paqui. It is known for its extreme spiciness due to the inclusion of Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, which are among the hottest in the world. The challenge has seen various iterations over the years, with different peppers being used each time.

An autopsy revealed that Harris died from cardiac arrest caused by ingesting a food item containing a high concentration of capsaicin, a potent chili pepper extract. The report also noted that Harris had an enlarged heart, which may have been a contributing factor in his demise.

In the wake of this incident, Paqui has decided to remove the product from store shelves. The product, which was packaged in a coffin-shaped box adorned with a red skull and a warning that reads 'extreme heat,' has been linked to several other health issues.

Three young people in California required hospitalization after participating in the challenge, while seven individuals in Minnesota experienced illness from the same activity, as per news reports.

The One Chip Challenge became particularly popular because participants ate the extremely spicy Paqui chip and avoided consuming any food or drink to ease the burning sensation.

This challenge attracted celebrities and social media influencers but was criticized for the associated negative health impacts.

Paqui's Disclaimer

In light of the incidents, Paqui emphasized that the One Chip Challenge was intended strictly for adults. Prominent warnings advised that the product was not suitable for children, individuals sensitive to spicy foods, or those with underlying health conditions.

However, the company acknowledged increased reports of teenagers and other individuals disregarding these warnings.

"The product's label clearly states it is not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or has underlying health conditions," Paqui said in a statement.

As a precautionary measure, Paqui worked with retailers to voluntarily remove the product from shelves in September 2023 and has since discontinued the challenge.

Paqui's website now offers reimbursement for unopened 2023 Paqui Carolina Reaper + Naga Viper Pepper One Chip Challenge packages.

This move aims to mitigate any further risks associated with the product and to address the safety concerns raised by Harris Wolobah's tragic death and other incidents.