A Massachusetts investigation is underway following the death of a teenager, Harris Wolobah, on September 1, with authorities looking into the potential role of the “One Chip Challenge,” a product known for its extreme spiciness. The 14-year-old’s family has attributed his death to the challenge.
Although the exact cause of death has yet to be determined pending an autopsy, Texas-based manufacturer Paqui, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, has taken steps to remove the product from store shelves. Retailer 7-Eleven has already complied with this request.
The One Chip Challenge chip, priced at around $10, is individually wrapped and comes in a sealed foil pouch within a coffin-shaped cardboard box. The package includes warnings that the chip is intended for adults and should be kept out of the reach of children due to its intense heat and pain.
In response to the teenager’s death and concerns about the challenge, Paqui issued a statement on its website expressing deep sadness over the incident and acknowledging an increase in teenagers and others disregarding the product’s warnings. As a precautionary measure, the company is actively working with retailers to withdraw the product from sale.
Authorities in Massachusetts are also cautioning parents about the challenge, which has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. The challenge typically involves individuals unwrapping the chip, consuming it, and then reacting to the intense heat. Some videos depict people experiencing discomfort, coughing, and requesting water.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early urged parents to discuss the risks of the challenge with their children, emphasizing that the chip is intended for adult consumption. Other states have reported hospitalizations of teenagers and individuals participating in the challenge.
Health experts have noted that the spicy chip can lead to various symptoms, including burning or tingling of the mouth and lips, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and more severe effects in some cases. Capsaicin, a potent chemical found in peppers, is one of the chip’s key ingredients and can cause serious health problems if consumed in large quantities.
Wolobah’s family and friends believe the chips played a role in his death and have called for the product to be banned. They described the teenager as healthy and are concerned about the safety of similar challenges.
Despite the warning signs and the challenge’s name, the package explicitly outlines the rules for participants, encouraging them to eat the entire chip, wait before consuming anything else, and share their reactions on social media. The packaging also contains warnings not to eat the chip if individuals are sensitive to spicy foods, allergic to certain ingredients, pregnant, or have specific medical conditions.
It advises washing hands after handling the chip and seeking medical help if difficulty breathing, fainting, or severe nausea occurs. The package also asks participants to rate their endurance on a scale from one minute to one hour.
A vigil for Harris Wolobah is scheduled to take place in Worcester, Massachusetts, where friends and family plan to honor his memory.