Fourteen high school students in Tokyo were hospitalized on Tuesday after consuming “super spicy” potato chips, according to police reports.
Local media noted that around 30 students sampled the chips, brought to school by one of their peers.
Shortly after, several students began experiencing nausea and severe pain around their mouths, leading to emergency calls to the fire department and police.
The affected group included 13 girls and one boy, all of whom were conscious and reported to have only minor symptoms.
Isoyama Corp, the manufacturer of the snack, issued a statement apologizing for the “inconvenience” caused and wishing the students a quick recovery.
Isoyama Corp’s website features numerous warnings regarding the chips, branded “R 18+ curry chips,” indicating their extreme spiciness.
The company “forbids” anyone under 18 from eating the chips and advises even spice enthusiasts to “eat with caution,” as the product is “so spicy that they may cause you pain.”
The intense heat of the chips is attributed to the “ghost pepper,” or bhut jolokia, which is cultivated in northeastern India and recognized as one of the world’s hottest chilies.
While used in various recipes, its potency requires careful handling. The company further advises against consuming the chips alone, as excessive consumption could lead to diarrhea.
Additionally, individuals with high blood pressure, sensitive stomachs, or cuts on their fingers are “absolutely prohibited” from eating the crisps.
Those who are “timid or too scared” are also discouraged from trying them.
A media report indicated that a student brought the chips to school “just for fun.”
Following the hospitalizations, some users on the platform X shared a “spicy meter” to highlight the chips’ heat, while others posted videos detailing their painful experiences eating them.
In one video, a user likened the pain to that of having urinary stones. X owner Elon Musk also commented on the incident, stating, “they must be next-level spicy!”
Source-BBC
