One Chip Too Far
By Srihita Madiraju and James Tong Sept. 25, 2024
Once a viral internet trend, the “One Chip challenge” dared participants to test their spice tolerance by consuming an alarmingly spicy chip. Due to its physically agonizing results, this challenge faced scrutiny following reports of severe incidents—a common response from unsafe food trend challenges. Although the intense flavor from extreme ingredients in certain foods may provide irresistible stimulation to the taste buds, they can also stir up controversy due to their often unpleasant health effects.
Social media is a prominent factor for promoting foods that pose health risks from dangerous ingredients, the "One Chip challenge" alike. Since the trend was first popularized on TikTok during 2021, many have taken on the chip due to a fear of missing out, until a fatal incident made headlines. Prior to the event, hundreds of videos were posted of people enduring the spice levels, which viewers found exciting and often hilarious to watch. However, upon the accidental death of Harris Wolobah, a fourteen-year-old curious to try the challenge, controversy emerged on several media platforms. Although Wolobah’s death was also correlated to having an enlarged heart, Paqui, the creator of the chip, discontinued the product.
“Buldak,” a brand of intensely spicy instant noodles, also proved controversial. This June, Denmark recalled three flavors of the product, as the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration deemed them unsafe due to high capsaicin levels; a concentrated compound of chili peppers. Although the decision was reversed briefly after further investigation, concerns remain as excessive capsaicin consumption may result in circulatory problems, heartburn, vomiting and pain in the abdomen or chest.
Despite the pain caused by extreme-tasting foods, many people still enjoy eating them, as the neurological responses can feel satisfying. Hazardous amounts of sourness or spiciness can release endorphins and dopamine. Thus, the brain may override initial reactions of discomfort, perceiving it to be enjoyable, per Paul Rozin, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
"The first time I tried the double spice "Buldak," I was lying on the floor after the first few bites. As soon as I recovered, I finished the rest and loved it," Sophomore Ishaan Desai said.
On the flip side, dangerous food challenges are not always related to flavor. Panera Bread’s highly caffeinated “Charged Sips” beverages have faced several lawsuits. A 30 ounces cup can contain upwards of 390 milligrams of caffeine, while the FDA states that most healthy adults can only safely consume 400 milligrams per day.
A lawsuit was filed on behalf of Sarah Katz, a twenty-one year old university student who was previously diagnosed with a heart condition. Unaware of the caffeine content within the drink, Katz underwent a fatal cardiac arrest after consuming the drink. Similar incidents occurred as the drink was often perceived as a lemonade rather than a source of caffeine because of misleading labeling. A second lawsuit was filed following the death of forty-six year old David Brown. Similarly, unaware of the high caffeine levels, he also ordered the “Charged Lemonade,” despite his high blood sugar.
“I had the “Charged Lemonade” once without realizing how caffeinated it is, and I regretted it so much because I was overly hyper and my hands were shaking for hours after I drank it. People must be aware of the ingredients in certain food products before consumption. If I had carefully read the label that stated the amount of caffeine in it, I simply would not have ordered it,” Junior Shina Assl said.
While food extremities can perpetuate thrilling experiences, their health risks must be monitored. Both food creators and people on social media have realized the cruciality of approaching these potentially dangerous foods with awareness of both their exciting and adverse effects.
About the Contributors
Srihita Madiraju
staff writer
Srihita Madiraju is a Junior at Leland High School and a staff writer. She enjoys reading and writing, and this is her first year in journalism. She enjoys dancing, going to the beach, and hanging out with her friends.
James Tong
staff writer
James Tong is a staff writer for The Charger Account. He enjoys collaborating with others and this is his first year in journalism. His hobbies include swimming, biking, hanging out with friends and listening to music.
Isabella Zhu
staff writer and artist
Isabella is a staff writer and artist, and this is her first year in journalism. Isabella is deathly scared of running, but does cross country anyways. Her favorite things to do outside of journalism are eating, walking, and sleeping.
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