Fourteen high school students in Tokyo were rushed to hospital after eating “super spicy” potato chips on Tuesday, police said.
According to local media reports, about 30 students ate the potato chips after one of the students brought them to school.
Soon, some of them started complaining of nausea and severe pain around their mouths, prompting them to call the fire department and police for emergency help.
Thirteen girls and one boy who were taken to hospital were conscious and reported to have mild symptoms.
Isoyama Corp, the company that makes the snacks, issued a statement apologizing for “any inconvenience” caused to customers and wishing the students a speedy recovery.
So far, the school and company have not responded to the BBC’s questions.
The company’s website is filled with warnings for those thinking of trying potato chips.
it “No” persons under 18 years of age People should not eat crisps dubbed “R 18+ curry chips” because they are too spicy – and it even warned those who like spicy food to “eat with caution”. Advertisements say the chips are “so spicy they may cause you pain.”
The spiciness comes from the potent “ghost pepper” grown in northeastern India, where it’s known as “bhut jolokia.” Although it is used in recipes in India and elsewhere, it is considered one of the hottest chili peppers in the world.
In fact, the Japanese company advises people not to “eat potato chips when alone” and says it may cause diarrhea if consumed “in excess”.
The company’s website says people with high blood pressure and gastrointestinal problems are “absolutely prohibited” from eating the chips. It warns people with cuts on their fingers to be careful when opening packages.
Those who are “timid or too scared” are also discouraged from trying the snack.
One media report said one of the boys brought potato chips to school “just for fun”.
In response to news about the hospitalization, some X users posted “Spicy Scale” came to show how hot potato chips can be, while others shared videos of their painful experiences eating chips.
exist a videoOne user, who looked frowning, described it as “painful” and said it reminded him of his own experience with urinary tract stones.
X boss Elon Musk also weighed in, saying “They must be next level hot!”
