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"Hot Chip Challenge" in a Berlin kiosk: There is a risk of skin and mucous membrane irritation, nausea, vomiting or circulatory problems
Photograph:
Doreen Garud / dpa
Chips from the "Hot Chip Challenge" have been recalled due to health hazards posed by the product. The snack could contain too large amounts of the spicy agent capsaicin, it was said in justification. Consumption can lead to skin and mucous membrane irritation, nausea and vomiting or circulatory problems, the company told KC Trading.
The company, which is based in Geseke, North Rhine-Westphalia, has placed the chips manufactured in the Czech Republic on the market in this country. According to the portal Lebensmittelwarnung.de, the chips were distributed in the following federal states: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Bremen, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
A spokesman for the manufacturing company, which is based in the east of the Czech Republic, had already announced in mid-November that the product would no longer be delivered to Germany. After incidents, emergency medical calls and food warnings, the product is no longer allowed to be sold in Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse also issued a ban.
Challenge fueled by the manufacturer
The packaging of the »Hot Chip Challenge« in the shape of a coffin contains a single, extremely sharp tortilla chip – as well as latex gloves to touch. Especially on the Internet, the "hot chips" are a dangerous test of courage among young people because of their spiciness, the consumption of which is shared in videos on social media. The product is advertised as a "challenge for the bravest". Thanks to a special blend of spices, they are the hottest chips in the world. In some cases, however, children and adolescents had to be treated in hospital afterwards.
The challenge, fueled by the manufacturers, includes eating the whole chip ("Don't say we didn't warn you"), filming the consumption and reaction, as well as sharing it on social media and nominating friends to do the same.
KC Trading's announcement stated that it had been determined that the capsaicin content was too high and to be classified as hazardous to health. That's why the grocer »KBB Sweets« also recalled chips from the »Hot Chip Challenge« earlier this week.
The substance capsaicin is responsible for the spiciness that you feel when eating chilies. It can also be used medicinally.
apr/dpa