Cierra Lemott 
Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old boy from Massachusetts, has tragically passed away following the “One Chip Challenge.”
The “One Chip Challenge” by the brand Paqui is made from some of the hottest peppers in the world: the Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers. The goal of this “challenge” is to eat the single hot chip that comes in the coffin-shaped box without a beverage or any other food.
The challenge is only intended for adults to participate in as stated on the packaging, but those taking on the challenge are getting younger and younger. There should have been more strict purchasing rules regarding this product, especially considering the harmful effects it can have on children and teens. More teens have been seen eating the chip.
Paqui has taken notice and has removed the chip from shelves following the death of Wolobah.
“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,” the company said in a statement, according to abcnews.go.com.
The autopsy of Wolobah has yet to be conducted to determine his cause of death. Whether the chip is to blame or not, we’re sending condolences to Wolobah’s family and loved ones.
Would you ever consider doing the “One Chip Challenge?” Look for a poll on True Star’s IG page, and let us know if you will or won’t take the challenge.
By Cierra Lemott, Senior, Columbia College Chicago
Instagram: @cece.kodak / @kodakscamera
X: @LemottCierra
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