Chips so fiery they landed 14 Japanese students in hospital

Fourteen high school students in Tokyo were hospitalised on Tuesday after consuming “super spicy” potato chips, according to police. Approximately 30 students ate the chips after one of them brought them to school.

Soon after, several students reported nausea and severe mouth pain, leading to emergency calls to the fire department and police, as per a BBC report. The affected students, 13 girls and one boy, were taken to the hospital but were conscious and exhibited only minor symptoms.

Isoyama Corp, the manufacturer of the chips, issued an apology for any inconvenience caused and wished the students a speedy recovery. The company has not yet responded with any other statement, as per the report.

The company’s website contains numerous warnings about the chips, which are labeled “R 18+ curry chips” due to their intense spiciness. It advises that individuals under 18 should not consume them and cautions even those who enjoy spicy food to eat with care. The chips are made with ghost peppers, known as bhut jolokia, one of the hottest chili peppers in the world.

Isoyama Corp also recommends not eating the chips alone and warns that they may cause diarrhea if consumed in excess. The company explicitly advises against consumption by those with high blood pressure, sensitive stomachs, or cuts on their fingers.

Reports indicate that one of the students, a boy, brought the chips to school “just for fun.” Reactions on social media included a “spicy meter” to illustrate the chips’ heat and videos of users describing their painful experiences. Notably, X owner Elon Musk commented on the situation, noting that the chips must be “next-level spicy.”