“Hot Chip Challenge”
Companies recall extremely hot chips due to health risks
The “Hot Chip Challenge” product is manufactured in the Czech Republic but also sold in Germany
© Doreen Garud/dpa
Children and young people have ended up in hospital several times after eating extremely spicy chips. Two German companies have now reacted and are stopping the distribution of a product.
It is a test of courage with sometimes dramatic consequences: children and young people often have to be treated in hospital after eating extremely spicy chips. In the United States in September this year, a 14-year-old died after eating a tortilla chip flavored with what was said to be the world’s hottest chili pepper. The challenge, known as the “Hot Chip Challenge” or “One Chip Challenge”, has been circulating on social networks for several years.
In Germany, two companies that sell the “Hot Chip Challenge” brand have now reacted and recalled several batches of the hot chips due to health risks. According to a warning on the product, strongly fluctuating and sometimes extremely high levels of capsaicin were found Consumer portal of the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety was published. The substance comes from chili peppers.
In total there are two companies based in Frankfurt and Pour the product recalled. It was delivered to a large part of the federal states: In addition to Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are also affected.
“Hot Chip Challenge” product recalled – customers will receive a refund
The warning states that the very high level of spiciness can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, burning eyes and irritated mucous membranes. The monitoring authorities now have numerous official reports on various batches of the product. Everyone is probably affected. Customers who have purchased the relevant item can return it for a refund of the purchase price and presentation of the invoice in consultation with the seller. “Please also talk to children and young people in your area and point them out to the dangers,” recommend the consumer advocates.
The actual manufacturer of the product, a company from the Czech Republic, told the German Press Agency at the end of October that the safety and health of consumers had the highest priority. The “Hot Chip Challenge” product is manufactured in accordance with EU regulations, tested and certified for human consumption. Officially, the chips are only available for ages 18 and up. The packs come with detailed warnings, said a spokesman.