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One Chip Challenge controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2023

    Death of Harris Wolobah

    Fourteen-year-old Harris Wolobah died several hours after eating the One Chip Challenge product. Paqui withdrew the product, stopped its promotion, and ended the challenge. The case triggered scrutiny of extreme-capsaicin products, youth access, warnings, and viral marketing.

  2. 2023

    Wrongful-death litigation

    Wolobah’s family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit naming Walgreens, The Hershey Company, Paqui, and Amplify Snack Brands in connection with the sale and manufacture of the product.

  3. 2022

    Youth participation and school health incidents

    Despite adult-only and health-risk warnings, children and teenagers participated in the challenge. Several schools reported illnesses or medical responses, leading districts in Colorado, California, Texas, and Georgia to ban or restrict the activity.