Paqui One Chip Challenge Warning
Tuesday November 29, 2022
A special tortilla chip with an extremely hot/spicy coating may cause unexpected side effects
A recent incident within the jurisdiction of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is prompting the agency to inform parents about the “Paqui One Chip Challenge”. 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.
This year 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, a scale used to measure a pepper’s heat. 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. Capsaicin 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.
“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,” says Dr. Luparello, Medical Director.
“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.” says Rebecca Burns, Health Officer.
Adults are 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. Seek medical care immediately if you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or other unexpected symptoms after consuming capsaicin.
Additional information on Capsaicin poisoning can be found here or by contacting Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.