One Chip Challenge: Paqui's Spicy Chip Blamed for Several Incidents Involving Kids
A sixth-grader California boy had a frightening experience after taking on the One Chip Challenge, which led to a near seizure-like state, per Yahoo! News.
The challenge, offered by Paqui, a tortilla chip maker based in Austin, Texas, involves eating a chip reputed to be one of the spiciest in the world and enduring the burn without drinking anything for as long as possible.
John Pedigo, the California boy's father, received a concerning call from the school, initially believing his son had been poisoned.
He was worried and wondered who could have given his son something harmful. However, his anxiety eased when he arrived at the school and learned what had transpired.
The school administrator explained that the boy had participated in the One Chip Challenge.
Jack, the California boy who took the challenge, recounted that after consuming the chip, he began to breathe heavily, followed by bouts of vomiting.
Fortunately, the Pedigo family is grateful that the situation didn't escalate further, especially after hearing about a teenager's death in Massachusetts that may be linked to the One Chip Challenge.
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6 Florida Students Sent to Nurse After Eating the Spicy Chip
Six Florida students required medical attention after trying the Paqui One Chip Challenge snack, according to WFLA.
The incident occurred when a 10-year-old girl found the chip in the trash and brought it to Forest Park Elementary School.
The father of the students involved, D'Anton Patrick, expressed concern over selling the chip to children.
He pointed out that the packaging clearly states that it is for adult consumption only and questioned why a 12-year-old could purchase it from a Boyton Beach Walgreens.
As a result of the incident, the 10-year-old girl received a one-week suspension from school.
The suspension letter mentioned that six Florida students had adverse effects from consuming the chip and were sent to the nurse.
Patrick expressed worry about the well-being of the students who consumed the chip and emphasized the potential danger it poses, especially to younger children.
Angela Cruz Ledford, a spokeswoman for the School District, stated that the district prioritizes student safety and well-being but declined to provide specific details about the medical situations to protect the Florida students' privacy.
Considering the incident, Patrick called for businesses like Walgreens to implement age verification measures before selling products like the One Chip Challenge.
Paqui's One Chip Challenge
Paqui's One Chip Challenge has garnered attention due to its extreme spiciness, featuring blue corn chips seasoned with sea salt, Carolina Reaper peppers, and Naga Viper peppers, the San Francisco Chronicle noted.
The Carolina Reaper pepper, renowned for its extreme heat, holds the Guinness World Record as the hottest chili pepper.
The company's website offers guidelines for those taking on the challenge, recommending the consumption of milk or ice cream to alleviate the intense heat and advising individuals to consult a physician if necessary.
However, the chip's packaging suggests waiting as long as possible before drinking or eating.
Despite the warnings and recommendations, Paqui acknowledged the increase in instances where teens and others have disregarded the precautions.
In response, the company announced that it would recall the product and provide refunds.
Paqui emphasized that the One Chip Challenge's packaging includes clear and prominent labeling warning against its consumption by children.
Recalling the product is a proactive step out of an abundance of caution to prevent further health concerns and ensure consumer safety.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Company pulling 'One Chip Challenge' from shelves after teen's death l GMA - From ABC News