COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency wants parents to know about a recent incident involving the “Paqui One Chip Challenge” which took place within its jurisdiction.
The challenge involves eating the single spicy tortilla chip, then waiting as long as possible before eating or drinking anything else. Participants in this challenge are also encouraged to post their reactions on social media.
The challenge involves a tortilla chip flavored with Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Scorpion pepper, known to be the two hottest peppers on the Scoville Scale. Both peppers are classified as super-hot chilies, far beyond the heat of a typical jalapeno pepper.
The hot or spicy sensation felt in the mouth and throat after eating chili peppers is due to the presence of capsaicin which is a naturally occurring compound that is the active ingredient in chili peppers. It is also a component in some pepper spray and bear spray devices and has been described as being more irritating than mace.
Community Health Agency Medical Director Doctor Karen Luparello says, “Consuming capsaicin-containing products, including tortilla chips like the Paqui One Chip Challenge, may cause people to experience mouth irritation, pain, or burning, along with intestinal discomfort. Capsaicin consumption can also cause more serious health problems such as; chest pain, heart palpitations, and even heart attacks. Eating larger amounts of capsaicin can also cause repeated vomiting which can lead to life-threatening esophageal damage.”
Health Officer Helen Burns says, “Children react differently to substances than adults. Care should be taken by any adult who chooses to participate in the challenge. There have been reported hospitalizations across the United States of children under age 16 participating in the challenge. We encourage parents to talk to their children about participating in consumption of substances meant for adults, and specifically the One Chip Challenge, consumers should read all warning labels on the Paqui chip packaging before consuming.”
Adults are being encouraged to keep capsaicin-containing products, including hot peppers and pepper spray, out of reach of children and pets.
Use caution when participating in social media challenges such as the One Chip Challenge, as harmful or unexpected side effects may occur.
If you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or other unexpected symptoms after consuming capsaicin, seek medical care immediately.
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