At least 14 high school students in Tokyo were hospitalized after consuming potato chips made with Indian ghost pepper, also known as bhut jolokia. The incident occurred on July 16, when a male student brought a packet of the extremely spicy chips to school “just for fun.” Despite a clear warning on the packaging stating that the product should not be consumed by individuals under the age of 18, around 30 students sampled the chips.
Soon after, many students began experiencing severe nausea and intense pain in their mouths. The school’s authorities promptly alerted the police and fire department, reporting that several students were in distress after eating the chips. Consequently, 14 students, including 13 males and one female, were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Isoyama Corp, the manufacturer of the chips, reiterated the age warning in a statement following the incident. “People aged under 18 should refrain from eating this product because it is too spicy,” the company said, according to a report in The Independent. “Not only people who are not good at spicy foods but also those who like spicy foods need to be cautious while eating this product.”
A representative from Isoyama Corp expressed regret over the incident and wished the affected students a speedy recovery. The company emphasized that their “R 18+ Curry Chips” are marketed with strict warnings due to their extreme spiciness. The product’s description on the company’s website explicitly forbids individuals under 18 from trying the chips, citing potential pain and adverse health effects. The company also advises individuals with weak stomachs or high blood pressure to avoid the product.
Bhut jolokia, commonly known as ghost pepper, is one of the hottest chili peppers in the world. Originating from Northeast India, particularly in the regions of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, it held the Guinness World Record for the world’s hottest chili pepper from 2007 to 2011. Known for its intense heat, bhut jolokia is used in various culinary and non-culinary applications, often with caution due to its potency.
Sources By Agencies
