The death of a 14-year-old kid in the United States after his family said he ate an exceptionally spicy tortilla chip sparked widespread alarm about the social media challenge, prompting manufacturers and retailers to remove the product from their shelves. According to the BBC, following the death of Harris Wolobah in Massachusetts, Amazon and eBay withdrew the super-hot tortilla chip from their websites. Amazon said it would remove the product from its sites in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It also intends to notify any international buyers who have lately purchased the chips. An eBay spokesperson said user safety was a “top priority” and it had removed sale listings. “We are monitoring our site closely and will remove any other listings if they arise,” the spokesperson said, as per the outlet.
The reason for Harris Wolobah’s death is yet to be determined, but his parents blame the “One Chip Challenge”
The reason for Harris Wolobah’s death is yet to be determined, but his parents blame the “One Chip Challenge.” The 14-year-old was a healthy adolescent with no medical issues that could easily explain any potential difficulties, according to Science Alert. However, immediately after eating the tortilla chip, the child complained of stomach pain to his school nurse. According to his family, he passed out and ceased breathing within hours of being taken home. Despite the efforts of paramedics and hospital specialists, he was pronounced dead. Harris’s mother has now requested that the product be removed from the market. “I just want there to be awareness for parents to know that it’s not safe,” Lois Wolobah told the New York Times.
However, following the 14-year-old’s death, the business said on Thursday that it would remove the product from retailers. According to the firm, the challenge is “intended for adults only” and is not appropriate for anyone with underlying health concerns or allergies. It did, however, report an “increase in teens and other individuals failing to heed these warnings.” “As a result, while the product continues to meet food safety standards, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves,” the company said.