September 8, 2023 – The maker of an especially spicy tortilla chip marketed as “One Chip Challenge” is pulling the product from shelves after a Massachusetts woman said her 14-year-old son was sick after eating one in all the chips died.
Harris Wolobah, of Worcester, MA, ate the chip on Sept. 1 at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, complained to a faculty nurse of a stomach ache and was sent home, said his mother, Lois Wolobah NBC Boston. He fainted at home and was pronounced dead on the hospital later that day, she said. An autopsy couldn’t yet determine the reason behind death.
The One Chip Challenge features Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper, two of the most popular peppers on the planet. The label on the coffin-shaped box encourages customers to eat the chip, wait so long as possible without drinking or eating anything, and record their reactions on social media.
In a press release on company website, Paqui said the product label says the chip will not be suitable for youngsters or people who find themselves sensitive to spicy foods or have food allergies, are pregnant or have health problems. It said the corporate was “actively working with our retailers” and “offering refunds on our single-serve One Chip Challenge product.”
“While the Paqui One Chip Challenge is intended only for adults, we have seen an increase in youth use of the product,” an organization spokesperson said. “We care about all of our consumers and have decided to remove the product from shelves.”
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said on Xformerly generally known as Twitter, there are reports across the country of teenagers being hospitalized due to One Chip Challenge.
“As the investigation into the cause of death of the Worcester teenager continues, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office would like to remind parents to research and discuss the one-chip challenge with their children,” he said.