Health Canada recalls Paqui spicy chip brand after U.S. teen’s death
Posted September 10, 2023 12:17 pm.
Health Canada has recalled a popular spicy chip brand after a 14-year-old died in the U.S. due to medical complications believed to be from the “2023 one chip challenge.”
Health Canada announced the recall stemmed from “reported adverse reactions” from the Paqui “2023 one chip challenge” brand.
On September 1, Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old at Doherty Memorial High School in Massachusetts sophomore, died unexpectedly. A GoFundMe page for the teen mentions they died after consuming one of the spicy chips.
Paqui chips contain seasoning of two of the hottest peppers currently available — Carolina Reaper Peppers, which are around 1.7 million Scoville Units and Naga Viper Pepper, which is about 1.4 million Scoville Units.
On September 1, Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old at Doherty Memorial High School in Massachusetts, died after partaking in the Paqui one-chip challenge. Photo: GoFundMe.
Paqui’s website states that the one-chip challenge is intended for adults only and “is not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or has underlying health conditions.”
“We have seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings. As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves,” the website reads.
“We are also offering refunds on our single-serve one-chip challenge product.”
According to the New York Times, Wolobah’s mother was phoned by his high school last week to tell her that her son was sick. When she arrived at the school, the teen complained of intense stomach pains.
Two hours later, he was rushed to a hospital, where he later died. An autopsy is pending.
Health Canada says the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.
“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.”
The One Chip Challenge has been promoted by Amplify Snack Brands, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, since 2016.
