A 14-year-old high school sophomore in Massachusetts died the same day he participated in a social media trend known as the “One Chip Challenge,” according to police and media reports.
WTKR reported Harris Wolobah died several hours after he took part in the challenge that included eating a single tortilla chip seasoned with capsaicin, a compound in some of the world’s hottest peppers.
Officials told the station it’s too early to know if eating the chip contributed to Harris’ death but the incident is under investigation. Results of the autopsy are pending and the cause of death has not been confirmed.
According to chip maker Paqui, the One Chip Challenge involves eating a single chip that contains a Carolina Reaper Pepper and Naga Viper Pepper without drinking anything afterward and then sharing the experience on social media.
A warning on Paqui’s website said the chips should be kept out of the reach of children and people should not eat them if they are sensitive to spicy foods, allergic to peppers, nightshades or capsaicin, are pregnant or have medical conditions.
According to the National Capital Poison Center, capsaicin consumption typically causes mouth and throat pain but can also result in more serious health problems, including heart attack and esophageal damage. The center noted people should use caution when consuming foods or products that contain capsaicin.
