Fourteen high school students in Tokyo were rushed to the hospital after consuming “super spicy” potato chips that left them with nausea and acute pain, according to police reports.
The incident occurred when around 30 students decided to try the crisps brought to school by one of their peers. Soon after eating the chips, some students began experiencing discomfort, leading to emergency calls for medical assistance.
The 13 girls and one boy who were hospitalized had minor symptoms and were conscious upon arrival. The company responsible for the snack, Isoyama Corp, issued an apology for the incident and wished the students a speedy recovery.
The crisps, known as “R 18+ curry chips,” are made with the potent “ghost pepper” from northeastern India, one of the world’s hottest chillis. The company’s website is filled with warnings about the extreme spiciness of the chips, advising against consumption for those under 18, individuals with high blood pressure or weak stomachs, and even cautioning against eating them alone.
Despite the warnings, one student reportedly brought the chips to school “just for fun,” leading to the unfortunate outcome. The incident sparked a reaction on social media, with users sharing their own experiences with the fiery snack. Some even posted a “spicy meter” to illustrate the intensity of the chips, while others shared videos of their painful reactions.
Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk chimed in, commenting on the extreme spiciness of the chips. The school and the company have yet to respond to inquiries from the media regarding the incident.
