WORCESTER, Massachusetts — A Massachusetts teenager’s death has been linked to the “Paqui One Chip Challenge,” raising concerns about the safety of the popular social media trend. Harris Wolobah, a 10th-grade student from Worcester, passed away on September 1, 2023, shortly after consuming the chip.
An autopsy report revealed that Wolobah died from cardiopulmonary arrest “in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration.” The examination also noted that Wolobah had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect, conditions that contributed to his death.
The Paqui One Chip Challenge involves eating a single tortilla chip that is coated with an extremely high concentration of capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers that causes their characteristic heat. Capsaicin binds to the TRPV1 receptor, which detects heat and pain, leading to intense sensations of burning and discomfort.
Medical experts explain that while capsaicin is generally safe in the quantities found in typical foods, the exceptionally high doses present in the Paqui chip can pose serious health risks. High doses of capsaicin can cause significant irritation to the mouth, stomach, and intestines, leading to gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea. Inhalation of capsaicin can result in respiratory issues, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and temporary blindness if it contacts the eyes. More severe cardiovascular problems have also been reported, including chest pain, heart palpitations, heart attacks, and strokes.
“The combination of high capsaicin concentration and Wolobah’s pre-existing heart conditions led to his tragic death,” the medical examiner stated.
This incident is not isolated. The One Chip Challenge has been linked to multiple hospitalizations across the United States. In California, three students were hospitalized after participating in the challenge, while in Minnesota, seven students fell ill. An Oklahoma student was also taken to the hospital by ambulance after consuming the chip.
Despite the chip’s packaging stating that it is intended for adult consumption only and should be kept out of the reach of children, reports indicate that minors have been able to obtain and consume the chips, often resulting in adverse health effects.
The death of Harris Wolobah underscores the potential dangers of the One Chip Challenge and highlights the need for greater awareness and stricter enforcement of age restrictions to prevent further incidents.