Emerging Concerns: Troubling Teen Fatality Sparked by Spicy ‘One Chip Challenge’

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A tragic incident involving a Massachusetts teenager who allegedly consumed a single spicy tortilla chip as part of a viral challenge is causing concern.

While the exact cause of the 14-year-old’s death is still unknown, his mother told the New York Times that her son had recently eaten a Paqui brand chip from a distinctive coffin-shaped container labeled “One Chip Challenge” and “Inside: One Extremely Hot Chip.”

Paqui’s website has actively promoted the hashtag #OneChipChallenge. However, in light of the recent tragedy, the company has withdrawn the product while authorities investigate the incident. A notice on Paqui’s website emphasizes that the chips have clear warnings indicating they are intended for adults only and not suitable for children. However, there has been an alarming rise in teenagers and others disregarding these warnings.

The company stated, “While the product complies with food safety standards, as a precautionary measure, we are actively collaborating with retailers to remove the product from shelves.”

MedPage Today spoke with Dr. Scott Krakower, a child and adolescent psychiatrist from Northwell Health in Glen Oaks, New York, to gain insight into the potential dangers of extreme challenges propagated through social media.

Dr. Krakower expressed his familiarity with such phenomena, stating, “We encounter these situations frequently; something happens, and it spreads rapidly.”

He conveyed his sadness regarding incidents like these.

Regarding the popularity of the “One Chip Challenge” on social media, Dr. Krakower explained that it is not surprising for young people to come across and engage in such activities.

He highlighted the fact that social media algorithms often personalize content based on users’ previous interactions. Hence, if a child or adolescent has viewed one extreme challenge, they are likely to be exposed to more similar content.

Dr. Krakower further emphasized the impact of the developing prefrontal cortex in young individuals, making them more susceptible to impulsive behavior. Consequently, if a social media challenge appears sensational and fun, children and teenagers are more likely to participate without considering the potential dangers.

While it may seem unlikely that a chip can pose a threat, Dr. Krakower cautioned that extremely spicy foods can cause damage to the digestive tract and even lead to choking.

Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the burning sensation in chili peppers, can be seen as a toxin by the body, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, burning diarrhea, chest pain, headaches, and severe vomiting. In some cases, the damage and pain are so severe that emergency medical intervention is necessary, according to a post by the Cleveland Clinic about the potential risks of spicy foods.

Paqui’s “One Chip Challenge” involves the use of Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, as stated on their website. The packaging includes several warnings:

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Intended for adult consumption.
• Avoid consumption if you are sensitive to spicy foods, allergic to peppers or capsaicin, have any medical conditions, or are pregnant.
• After handling the chip, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes or other sensitive areas.
• If you experience difficulty breathing, fainting, or prolonged nausea, seek medical assistance.

Despite these warnings, reports indicate that young people have participated in the challenge regardless.

Dr. Krakower observed that many children aspire to become social media stars and seek attention, popularity, followers, and likes. This motivation often leads them to engage in risky activities.

As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Krakower frequently addresses concerns related to social media addiction. However, he acknowledges that many children find social media to be a positive experience, enabling them to connect with new friends they would never have met otherwise.

He emphasized the importance of striking a balance between socializing online and offline, encouraging children to take breaks from social media and maintain social connections at school.

Regarding challenges like the “One Chip Challenge,” Dr. Krakower remains deeply concerned.

He believes that the combination of various factors involved can lead to life-threatening situations, with each challenge becoming more extreme than the last, creating a cycle that seems unstoppable.