'One Chip Challenge' sparks lawsuit after teen Harris Wolobah's tragic death
What is the "One Chip Challenge"?
The "One Chip Challenge" is a social media campaign by Paqui Tortilla Chips, where participants are challenged to eat an extremely spicy tortilla chip and hold off for as long as possible on relieving their symptoms with water, milk, and food4. The challenge involves eating a chip laced with Carolina Reaper and Scorpion peppers, and participants are encouraged to post their reactions on social media1. The challenge has been popular since 2016 and has seen cycles of renewed interest thanks to platforms like TikTok.
When did Harris Wolobah die?
Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old student from Worcester, Massachusetts, died on September 1, 2023, after participating in the "One Chip Challenge" by eating a spicy Paqui chip4. The cause of death was determined to be cardiopulmonary arrest due to ingesting a high amount of chili pepper extract, with the autopsy also revealing an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect14.
What caused Harris Wolobah's death?
Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old boy, died after participating in Paqui's "One Chip Challenge," where he consumed a chip containing Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers1. The autopsy results confirmed that he died from ingesting a substance containing a high amount of chili pepper extract, capsaicin, which led to cardiopulmonary arrest. Additionally, Harris had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect, which might have made him more vulnerable to the negative effects of the spicy food challenge3.