Paqui, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company and the maker of the infamous ‘One Chip Challenge,’ has announced the immediate removal of its product from store shelves following the tragic death of a 14-year-old Massachusetts teen, Harris Wolobah. The cause of the young boy’s death remains under investigation, pending an autopsy, but his family attributes it to the extreme chip challenge.
Paqui’s ‘One Chip Challenge’ has gained notoriety on social media, as participants attempt to endure the searing heat of the chip without drinking or eating anything for as long as possible after consumption. The product, packaged in a sealed foil pouch within a coffin-shaped cardboard box, is emblazoned with clear warnings indicating that it is intended for adults and should be kept out of children’s reach.
In an official statement, Paqui expressed deep sorrow over Wolobah’s tragic passing and cited an increase in teenagers and others disregarding the product’s safety warnings. The company is actively collaborating with retailers to remove the product from their shelves and is emphasizing their strict adherence to food safety standards.
Medical experts have long cautioned about the potential dangers of the chip due to its extremely high capsaicin concentration, a chemical also found in pepper spray. They have highlighted the possibility of fatal consequences, including heart dysrhythmia or irreversible heart injury, resulting from exposure to such high capsaicin doses.
The incident in question occurred on August 31st when Worcester police responded to a call at Wolobah’s residence and found him unresponsive and not breathing. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he was tragically pronounced dead. Friends and family of Wolobah strongly contend that the chip challenge led to his untimely death, sparking calls for a complete ban on the product.
Paqui, in response to the outcry, has issued a statement reaffirming that the ‘One Chip Challenge’ is exclusively intended for adults and is prominently labeled to deter children, individuals sensitive to spicy foods, those with food allergies, underlying health conditions, or pregnant individuals from attempting it.
Furthermore, Paqui has initiated a recall of the 2023 ‘One Chip Challenge’ in Canada following reports of adverse reactions. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a food safety investigation into the matter, and they advise consumers not to consume or distribute the recalled products while their investigation is ongoing.
For customers seeking refunds or additional information regarding this recall, Paqui has provided a dedicated hotline at 1-866-528-6848 and encourages visiting their website for further updates and guidance.