Various challenges are constantly circulating on social media. These are usually tests of courage or competitions that go viral. Children and young people in particular are susceptible to it. Such a trend on TikTok has already caused several emergency doctor calls.
The so-called “Hot Chip Challenge” has been circulating on social media for a few days. This has already led to an emergency doctor being called to two Saarland schools, reports the Saarland consumer advice center in a recent statement. Emergency doctors were also called in other federal states.
Consumption of extremely spicy tortilla chip
While spicy foods can provide health benefits, as explained in a post from the Cleveland Clinic (USA), they also pose health risks. Especially if the food is too extreme.
The TikTok trend “Hot Chip Challenge”, for example, poses a health risk. Young people are called upon to take part in a hot food competition. Whoever manages to eat an extremely spicy tortilla chip wins. The young people should film themselves.
According to media reports, this competition has meanwhile led to various emergency medical interventions in various federal states.
health impairments
As the Saarland consumer advice center writes, the extremely hot corn chip with 2.2 million Scoville (degree of sharpness) is 500 times hotter than Tabasco. Capsaicin, an active ingredient in the chili pepper, is responsible for the burning taste.
The capsaicin binds to nerve cells, which are responsible for the perception of pain. In addition to irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, stomach and intestines, there are symptoms such as nausea and sometimes shortness of breath.
If you touch your face with your fingers that were previously used to touch the corn chip, your eyes can be damaged.
Selling to young people is a criminal offence
Theresia Weimar-Ehl from the Saarland consumer center advises great caution in the message: The consumption of large amounts of extremely hot chili products can lead to harmful high blood pressure crises, which can be life-threatening. Small children in particular are at risk.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is therefore aware of cases in which small children have died. “Parents should make sure that their children do not inadvertently eat extremely hot chili products,” says Weimar-Ehl.
According to the information, the chips may only be sold to people over the age of 18 and there must be a warning on the package advising against consumption by children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and sensitive people. Selling to young people under the age of 18 is punishable by law. (ad)
