According to an autopsy report, a 14-year-old teenager named Harris Wolobah from Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away last year after consuming a Paqui tortilla chip with a high spice level as part of a social media challenge. The chip was part of the “One Chip Challenge,” where participants eat the chip without drinking water or milk to alleviate the spiciness. This challenge gained popularity online and is similar to the show “Hot Ones,” where celebrities eat spicy wings while answering questions.
Consuming a chip with a high concentration of capsaicin can lead to serious health issues such as breathing difficulties, esophageal damage, and heart problems, as stated by the National Capital Poison Center. Wolobah’s cause of death was reported as cardiopulmonary arrest, and he had a pre-existing enlarged heart and congenital heart defect before attempting the challenge.
Famous individuals like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Shaquille O’Neal have also taken part in the “One Chip Challenge.” Paqui removed the chip from stores after Wolobah’s death due to concerns about its potential health impact. In a previous year, Paqui had sold a combination of Carolina Reaper and Scorpion Pepper chips, claiming it to be the deadliest spice blend yet.
(Source: Associated Press)
