Massachusetts teen dies after taking part in 'One Chip Challenge'
A 14-year-old Massachusetts teenager, Harris Wolobah, died of cardiac arrest after participating in a social media dare known as the "One Chip Challenge" in the United States, according to an autopsy report. The challenge involved consuming a single tortilla chip produced by Paqui, coated with extremely hot Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers. The autopsy report revealed that Wolobah's death was caused by cardiac arrest following the ingestion of food containing a substantial amount of capsaicin, a chili pepper extract.
Underlying health condition may have contributed
The autopsy report, viewed by AFP, also disclosed that Wolobah had an enlarged heart, which could have been a contributing factor to his death. The "One Chip Challenge" has seen several versions over the years, with the type of peppers used changing each time. Following Wolobah's death, Paqui removed the product from the store shelves. The product was packaged in a coffin-shaped box marked with a red skull and labeled "extreme heat."
Other incidents linked to 'One Chip Challenge'
According to media reports, three other young people in California were hospitalized after participating in the challenge. Furthermore, seven others fell ill in Minnesota due to the same cause. The company's website says the "Paqui one chip challenge is intended for adults only." It is also offering "reimbursement on the unconsumed single-serve 2023 Paqui Carolina Reaper + Naga Viper Pepper One Chip Challenge."
