One Chip Challenge Kills Teen: What Michigan Parents Need to Know

The Paqui 'One Chip Challenge' has had deadly consequences for a 14-year-old who died following taking on the ridiculous dare. The company responsible for the manufacturing of the unreasonably hot fried potato has asked retailers to remove the product from the shelves, but many already purchased remain in circulation.

The One Chip Challenge and What Michigan Parents Need to Know

The #OneChipChallenge began on social media in 2016 and according to Eater.com, the hashtag has over 2 billion views on TikTok alone.

It seems like a harmless, albeit misguided activity. Those who wish to put something so uncomfortably spicy in their mouth can purchase a single chip for around $30. That's right, $30 for A SINGLE-CHIP.

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Keep an eye out for them as many Michigan retailers carry the chip, and may not have pulled them from the shelves as of yet. They are currently still available to purchase on Amazon.

This 'One Chip Challenge' was accepted by Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old Massachusets native, and he did not survive. According to Woolbah's mother, his death was a direct result of eating the Paqui chip.

While the official cause of death is still being investigated by authorities, Woolbah's mother claims the school contacted her and she was informed her son was having stomach issues after eating the Paqui chip. She believes that if the school had sent her son to the hospital when he initially shared he was in pain, he may not have collapsed at home and died later that same day.

While not addressing Warboh's death or the assertion that the chip is responsible for his demise, Paqui's website has the following at the top of the homepage:

THE PAQUI ONE CHIP CHALLENGE IS INTENDED FOR ADULTS ONLY, WITH CLEAR AND PROMINENT LABELING HIGHLIGHTING THE CHIP IS NOT FOR CHILDREN OR ANYONE SENSITIVE TO SPICY FOODS OR WHO HAS FOOD ALLERGIES, IS PREGNANT OR HAS UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS.  

WE HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN TEENS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS NOT HEEDING THESE WARNINGS.  AS A RESULT, WHILE THE PRODUCT CONTINUES TO ADHERE TO FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS, OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION, WE ARE ACTIVELY WORKING WITH OUR RETAILERS TO REMOVE THE PRODUCT FROM SHELVES. 

WE ARE ALSO OFFERING REFUNDS ON OUR SINGLE-SERVE ONE CHIP CHALLENGE PRODUCT.

FOR REFUNDS PLEASE CALL 1-866-528-6848.

The company's statement is fine, but a blanket statement claiming 'the Paqui One Chp Challange is intended for adults only' is only paying lip service. What age does Paqui consider to be an adult? Would a child be aware of any underlying medical issues that would be enflamed by eating a single chip?

Awareness aside, peer pressure for teens is higher than ever in Michigan. If you're son or daughter could be hurt by trying this overblown dare, talk to them about it now. I'm certain Harris Warboh's family would give anything to have that conversation with him now.

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There are many who find these types of challenges exciting and even fun. However, if you are not accustomed to eating incredibly spicy foods DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CHALLENGE.