A Massachusetts teen tragically died after participating in a social media challenge.
The teen, identified as Harris Wolobah from Worcester, ate an extremely spicy tortilla chip manufactured by Paqui, a subsidiary of the Hershey Co. based in Texas, that reportedly contained a potent quantity of chile pepper extract.
Wolobah met his demise following his participation in what has been dubbed the “One Chip Challenge,” a promotional stunt orchestrated by Paqui.
The incident transpired on September 1, 2023.
Autopsy findings released by the Chief Office of the Medical Examiner revealed that Wolobah suffered from cardiopulmonary arrest attributed to the recent ingestion of the high capsaicin concentration substance, Fox Business reported.
Capsaicin, the active compound responsible for the fiery sensation in chile peppers, can induce severe health complications, including chest pain, heart palpitations, and in extreme cases, cardiac events such as heart attacks.
An article on Poison.org cautioned about the dangers associated with capsaicin consumption, emphasizing the potential for life-threatening consequences like esophageal damage from severe vomiting.
“People who eat capsaicin-containing products, including tortilla chips featured in the Paqui One Chip Challenge, often experience mouth irritation, pain, or burning, along with intestinal discomfort,” the outlet stated.
“Capsaicin consumption can also cause more serious health problems, including shortness of breath, allergic reactions, chest pain, heart palpitations, and even heart attacks or strokes,” it warned. “Consumption of larger amounts of capsaicin can also cause repeated vomiting that can lead to life-threatening esophageal damage.”
Paqui swiftly removed the controversial chips from circulation following Wolobah’s death, Fox reported last year.
Further examination revealed that Wolobah had an enlarged heart and a congenital defect known as “myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending coronary artery.”
The “One Chip Challenge” entails consuming a solitary spicy tortilla chip seasoned with a potent blend of Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.
Challenge endurers are to see how long they can last without consuming any additional food or beverages after eating the chip.
“Any instance where the body is pushed to its limits, there’s potential for adverse outcomes,” remarked Dr. Bradford Holland, an otolaryngologist based in Central Texas, in a statement to Fox.
Paqui asserted that their product explicitly warns against consumption by children or individuals with a low tolerance for spicy foods, following Wolobah’s tragic death.
“While the Pacqui One Chip Challenge is designed exclusively for adults, there has been a concerning rise in teenage consumption of the product,” the company stated to Fox in the past.
This fiery ordeal is just one of many trials enthusiasts undertake in the realm of spicy cuisine, alongside feats like chili pepper competitions and devouring chicken wings bathed in scorching hot sauce.
Wolobah’s mother Lois Wolobah spoke out to WBZ News about her son’s fatality last year.
“I hope, I pray to God that no parents will go through what I’m going through. I don’t want to see anybody hurting the way I’m hurting,” she said. “I miss my son so much. I miss him so much.”
The mother picked her son up from Doherty High School in Worcester after the nurse’s office called to say he had fainted from eating a chip a friend had given him.
“When I went there, he was laying down and I said, ‘what was the chip you ate?’ And this is what he showed me,” the grieving mom said as she held up a photo of the Paqui brand 2023 One Chip Challenge during the interview.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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