10 MA Students Sickened By 'One Chip Challenge:' Reports

HOLLISTON, MA — A group of around 10 seventh graders at Holliston's Adams Middle School became ill after taking on the "One Chip Challenge" during lunch Monday, according to multiple reports.

After assessing students who ate or touched the chip, the school nurse recommended they go to the emergency room, NECN reported. Fortunately, the students were not seriously harmed, Dr. Susan E. Kustka, Holliston Superintendent of Schools, told Patch Thursday.

"However, as a school community, this is an opportunity for us to re-educate families and students about the dangers of TikTok challenges and the use of social media," Kustka added. "Our staff will be creating some family engagement opportunities to help educate further about the safe use of social media."

Paqui's super spicy chips do not come with a spiciness rating, but the peppers used to make them are some of the hottest on the planet. Medical professionals have said consuming high amounts of capsaicin — the compound that creates the spice sensation — can cause serious health problems in high concentrations.

Authorities are raising the alarm about the viral social media challenge that encourages people to avoid seeking relief from eating and drinking for as long as possible after eating the chips.

Earlier this month, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah from Worcester died after eating a single super-spiced chip, according to his family.

Paqui said it is pulling its single chip products from shelves nationwide, and offering refunds to anyone who bought a "One Chip Challenge" chip. The company cited underage use of the product against the company's guidance as the reason as only adults should participate in the One Chip Challenge.

However, the dare is popular on social media sites, with scores of people including children unwrapping the packaging, eating the chips, and reacting to the heat.

"We have seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings. As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves," the company said in a message on its website.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Neal McNamara contributed reporting.