Several batches of extremely spicy chips have been recalled due to health risks. Highly fluctuating and sometimes extremely high levels of capsaicin were found in the product “Hot Chip Challenge,” according to a warning published on the consumer portal of the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety. The substance comes from chili peppers. The chips are used in Internet challenges. In some cases, children and young people had to be treated in hospital.
A total of two companies based in Frankfurt and Giessen have recalled the product. It was delivered to a large part of the federal states: In addition to Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are also affected.
Inform children of dangers
The warning states that the very high level of spiciness can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, burning eyes and irritated mucous membranes. The monitoring authorities now have numerous official reports on various batches of the product. Everyone is probably affected.
Customers who have purchased the relevant item can return it for a refund of the purchase price and presentation of the invoice in consultation with the seller. “Please also talk to children and young people around you and point out the dangers to them,” the warning says.