Massachusetts Teen’s Death Prompts Concerns About Spicy Chip Challenge
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The death of a Massachusetts teenager after consuming an extremely spicy tortilla chip has raised alarm about the dangers of a popular social media challenge and led to retailers voluntarily removing the product from their shelves.
Harris Wolobah, a basketball-loving 10th grader, passed away on September 1, and his family believes that the One Chip Challenge was responsible for his death. The challenge involves eating a chip, known as the One Chip, and attempting to go without consuming any other food or water. While awaiting the autopsy results to determine the cause of death, Wolobah’s family has chosen not to comment on the incident.
On September 1, the police responded to a call and found Wolobah “unresponsive and not breathing.” He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The state medical examiner’s office estimates that it will take several weeks to determine the exact cause of death. In response to the incident, the chip’s manufacturer, Paqui, has requested that retailers stop selling the product.
Despite the warning label on the chip’s packaging, children have been able to purchase the chips without difficulty. In fact, a 10-year-old girl from Florida was recently suspended from school after bringing the chip with her. Six children at Forest Park Elementary School required medical attention after coming into contact with the chip. The girl’s father expressed his frustration, questioning why a product labeled for adult consumption only was sold to a 12-year-old child.
This is not the first time that individuals have fallen ill after participating in the One Chip Challenge. Reports from around the country highlight instances where teenagers have gotten sick, including three students from a California high school who were hospitalized. Last year, paramedics were called to a Minnesota school when seven students became ill after attempting the challenge.
Friends of Wolobah, who heard about the chip challenge through social media, now believe that it is more dangerous than they had previously thought. The tragic death of their friend has convinced them that the challenge should be discontinued. They expressed their concerns at a vigil held in Wolobah’s honor, emphasizing the need to prevent further accidents.
Adults, too, have been testing their spice tolerance by participating in the One Chip Challenge. However, some have experienced unexpected consequences. Joaquin Diaz, a 31-year-old construction worker, tried the chip a few weeks ago and suffered from stomach cramps and diarrhea. He had planned to try the chip again but changed his mind after learning about Wolobah’s death.
Following the incident, major retailers such as 7-Eleven and Walgreens have removed the chip from their shelves. Amazon has also halted sales and is notifying customers who recently purchased the product about its removal. eBay has blocked all listings related to the One Chip Challenge. The popularity of the challenge is largely fueled by videos posted on social media, where individuals showcase their reactions to the chip’s intense heat.
Paqui, the chip’s manufacturer, released a statement expressing their deep sadness over Wolobah’s death. They noted that while the product adheres to food safety standards, it has become clear that individuals, particularly teenagers, are not heeding the warnings. As a result, the manufacturer is actively working with retailers to remove the product from shelves as a precautionary measure.
Authorities in Massachusetts have issued a warning to parents about the dangers of the challenge. Physicians have also cautioned that consuming such spicy foods can have unintended consequences, ranging from mild symptoms like burning or tingling sensations to more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Dr. Peter Chai, an associate professor of emergency medicine, warned about the potential fatal consequences of ingesting high concentrations of capsaicin, the component that gives chili peppers their heat.
At a vigil in Worcester, friends and teammates of Wolobah gathered to remember him. The community came together to honor his memory, with candles, stories, and pizza. Wolobah’s mother, Lois, emotionally approached her son’s photo, calling out his name and sobbing. The crowd was reminded of Wolobah’s ability to bring people together, and his cousin emphasized the importance of honoring his life by preventing further tragedies.
As the investigation into Wolobah’s death continues, it serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers associated with viral challenges. The incident has prompted a necessary conversation about the responsibility of manufacturers, retailers, and individuals in ensuring the safety of such products and activities.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-09-09 04:51:00