Teen Dies After Doing Viral Paqui 'One Chip Challenge,' Leading To 'Voluntary Product Retrieval'

Last Friday, a 14-year-old boy in Massachusetts died suddenly after doing the viral Paqui "One Chip Challenge." In a GoFundMe, his family wrote that they suspect he died from "complications due to the one chip challenge (autopsy pending)." The boy purportedly had no known allergies or risk factors.

The One Chip Challenge is a yearly promotion run by Paqui in which the company sells a single corn chip coated with dust from some of the world's spiciest peppers in a coffin-shaped package. The hot chip sells for around $10 at stores around the country.

Paqui has put out a new One Chip Challenge every year since the promotion started in 2016. Last year's chip, which turned tongues blue, was also cited as a possible safety concern after some teenagers were hospitalized. Reportedly, middle and high schools around the United States also took action because kids were missing class after eating the chips during lunch.

This year's chip features Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, the former of which is considered by many as "the world's hottest pepper" measuring over 2 million Scoville heat units.

Since its introduction, the viral internet challenge has attracted many streamers and influencers, including iShowSpeed and Kai Cenat, along with thousands of everyday users of platforms like TikTok.

Online, rumors and disinformation circulated that the Massachusetts teen who died had eaten 16 chips. These unsubstantiated claims were a subject of argument and discussion in the replies to tweets announcing the news.

Earlier this morning, Paqui announced a voluntary product retrieval of the One Chip Challenge product, writing that "… out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves."

The company, however, affirmed that it believes the One Chip Challenge does not break any food safety laws, so long as it is eaten in a way that follows the warnings on its packaging.