Canada – Health Canada has issued an urgent recall notice for the Paqui brand “One Chip Challenge” snacks due to a series of reported “adverse reactions” experienced by consumers. The recall has been initiated by the snack’s manufacturer, Amplify Snack Brands Inc., following numerous cases of people falling ill after consuming the fiery treat.
This move comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving the death of a 14-year-old teenager in Massachusetts. While the cause of death is still pending autopsy results, the parents of the teenager attribute his passing to the “One Chip Challenge,” which he had undertaken on September 1.
A spokesperson representing Texas-based Paqui acknowledged that the “One Chip Challenge” is available “in very limited distribution in Canada.”
The recalled snack is notorious for its extreme spiciness, derived from Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, and has gained significant attention on social media. Participants in the challenge consume the chip and then endure the test of resisting water or other food for as long as possible.
Paqui’s official website provides explicit information about the snack, emphasizing that it is “intended for adults only.” The packaging includes clear and prominent warnings, cautioning against its consumption by children, individuals sensitive to spicy foods, those with food allergies, pregnant women, or those with underlying health conditions.
The Paqui spokesperson expressed the company’s deep sorrow and conveyed condolences to the family of Harris Wolobah, the teenager whose death is associated with the challenge.
Recognizing the increasing number of individuals, particularly teenagers, disregarding these warnings, Paqui announced its decision to proactively work with retailers to remove the product from store shelves. The company is also offering refunds to customers who have purchased the product.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has initiated a food safety investigation and is considering the possibility of recalling other products as well.
When questioned by The Canadian Press about which Canadian stores carry the chip, a spokesperson for the CFIA stated that the agency was unable to provide that information as of Friday evening. The CFIA emphasized that food safety investigations are intricate processes involving multiple stages to determine if a food recall is warranted and which specific products should be recalled. In cases involving potentially hazardous food items, the CFIA acts promptly to gather information and make decisions.
The recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding product warnings and guidelines, especially when dealing with spicy or challenging food items, to prevent potential harm or adverse reactions.