A Massachusetts teenager, Harris Wolobah, tragically died of a heart attack last September after participating in Paqui’s “One Chip Challenge.” The challenge involves eating an extremely spicy tortilla chip seasoned with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.

Wolobah, who had a congenital heart defect, suffered cardiopulmonary arrest after ingesting the chip. The Massachusetts chief medical examiner confirmed that the high concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness in chili peppers, contributed to his death.

Paqui’s “One Chip Challenge,” marketed in a coffin-shaped box, was initially intended for adults with warnings against consumption by children or individuals with health conditions. Despite these warnings, the product gained popularity among teens, prompting Paqui to pull it from shelves in September 2023.

Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, can be extremely potent. The Carolina Reaper ranks just below pepper spray on the Scoville scale, a measure of spiciness, while the Naga Viper scores around 1.2 million heat units—significantly hotter than a jalapeño pepper, which averages about 5,000 heat units.

In response to the incident, a Paqui spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and their decision to discontinue the challenge. Paqui is also offering reimbursements for any uneaten 2023 challenge chips.

This incident underscores the potential dangers of extreme food challenges, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.