One Chip Challenge pulled from stores after teenager died from eating one and passing out
The One Chip Challenge has been pulled from stores after a teenager died from eating one and passing out.
The challenge has been a viral trend on social media for years now, first emerging back in 2016 after food manufacturing company Paqui released a Carolina Reaper chip, which is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world.
Since then, however, a 14-year-old boy has tragically died and the product is now being removed from shelves.
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In case you're not in the know, the challenge involves a person eating the chip and trying not to eat or drink anything after to avoid the burn.
Due to its health and safety issues, it has been banned in several schools in the US after kids were trying it and winding up in hospital.
One family has been devastatingly affected by the challenge after a teenager passed out after eating one of the chips.
The Daily Mail reports that Harris Wolobah was given the spicy tortilla chip by a classmate and he ate it.
Not long after he began complaining of stomach pains and his mother was called to the school.
While he felt better at home, he collapsed and passed out.
The teenager was taken to hospital and was sadly pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be completed to determine whether the chip contributed to his death.
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monárrez released a statement confirming Harris' tragic passing.
"It is with a heavy heart I share that we lost a rising star, Harris Wolobah, who was a sophomore scholar at Doherty Memorial High School," she said.
"As a mother and educator, I cannot imagine how hard this is on his family, friends and teachers. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.
"Worcester Public Schools is offering counselling and social emotional support for those who have been impacted by this tragedy.
"If you are a WPS student or staff member in need of grief support, please let a caring adult know at your school. We are here to help."
Monárrez concluded: "It is during the most trying times that the community of Worcester comes together and this is one of those times. May we stay focused on allowing the grief and healing process during this difficult time."
More than $30,000 has now been raised on a GoFundMe in the wake of Harris' untimely death in the hope that it will help his family deal with the tragic loss.
"Our family is planning to lay Harris to rest in the coming weeks, so I’m hoping that with the help of this compassionate community, we can raise enough funds to alleviate the burden of funeral expenses for his parents and siblings during this incredibly difficult time," the fundraiser reads.
Paqui has said its One Chip Challenge isn't intended for children and is only meant for adult consumption.
The company has since posted an official statement at the top of its website, saying the challenge 'is intended for adults only, with clear and prominent labelling highlighting the chip is not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods'.
It continues: "We have seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings. As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves.
"We are also offering refunds on our single-serve one chip challenge product."
UNILAD has previously reached out to Paqui for comment.
Topics: US News, Food and Drink, Health
Rhiannon Ingle