Tokyo, Japan – At least 14 high school students in Japan were hospitalized after consuming potato chips made with bhut jolokia, also known as the Indian ghost pepper. The incident occurred on July 16 when a male student brought a packet of “R 18+ Curry Chips” to his Tokyo school for fun, despite the product’s warning that it should not be consumed by anyone under the age of 18.
Around 30 students tried the chips, which soon led many of them to experience severe discomfort, including nausea and mouth pain. The school promptly alerted the police and fire department, reporting that several students were in distress after eating the chips. Fourteen students, including 13 males and one female, were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Isoyama Corp, the manufacturer of the “R 18+ Curry Chips,” reiterated the product’s warning label in a statement following the incident. “People aged under 18 should refrain from eating this product because it is too spicy,” the company emphasized, 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 also apologized for the incident and expressed wishes for the students’ speedy recovery. The company’s website explicitly forbids those under 18 from trying the chips, warning that they are “so spicy that they may cause you pain” and advising individuals with weak stomachs or high blood pressure to avoid the product.
Bhut Jolokia Pepper
Bhut jolokia, one of the hottest chili peppers in the world, originates from Northeast India, particularly the regions of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. It held the Guinness World Record for the world’s hottest chili pepper from 2007 to 2011.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of consuming extremely spicy foods, especially for those who are not accustomed to them. It also highlights the importance of adhering to product warnings to avoid adverse health effects.
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