Fourteen students from Rokugo Koka High School in Tokyo were hospitalized after ingesting dangerously spicy ‘R 18+ curry chips’, sparking concerns over health risks related to extreme food challenges.
On July 16th, 2023, fourteen high school students from Rokugo Koka High School in Tokyo were hospitalized after consuming extremely spicy “R 18+ curry chips” during their morning break. Brought to school by a student for entertainment, nearly 30 students tasted the chips. The chips are infused with ghost pepper, one of the world’s hottest chillies, and are marketed with a warning that they are unsuitable for individuals under 18 or those sensitive to spicy foods.
The incident led to severe nausea and mouth pain among the students, with one needing a wheelchair for transportation to the hospital. All affected students, comprised of 13 girls and one boy, were reported to have minor symptoms. Isoyama Corp, the manufacturer of the chips, issued an apology and expressed hopes for the students’ swift recovery.
The school contacted authorities around 1 PM about the students’ distress. The ghost pepper, certified by Guinness World Records in 2007, has more than one million Scoville Heat Units. This incident of spicy snack consumption aligns with a broader trend, partly influenced by social media challenges, leading to health risks and hospitalizations.
Recently, Denmark recalled Korean ramen noodles with high concentrations of chili extract, and similar products have been linked to poisonings in Germany. Health professionals highlight that excessive chili intake can cause severe symptoms, especially in children and frail adults.